Reddit fined £14m by UK data watchdog over age verification checks
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Reddit £14.47m for failing to adequately verify the ages of its users, exposing children to potentially harmful content online. The watchdog found that Reddit relied on self-declared age information from users, a method easily exploitable, which led to underage individuals being exposed to inappropriate material despite the platform’s policy prohibiting users under 13. This failure to implement robust age assurance measures left child data at risk and violated UK data protection laws.
The ICO highlighted that while Reddit claimed to prioritize user privacy and safety, its approach to age verification was insufficient. The regulator noted that a significant number of children under 13 were estimated to be using the platform, which contravened its terms of service. According to the ICO, companies with platforms likely accessed by minors must ensure they have effective measures in place to protect child users from risks associated with data collection and usage.
The fine underscores the importance of stricter age verification protocols for online platforms, particularly those frequented by children. The case also raises broader concerns about the responsibility of tech companies to safeguard minors’ personal information and comply with data protection regulations. This issue is not just a UK concern but has global implications for how internet giants handle user verification and data security.
Reddit has expressed its intention to appeal the decision, arguing that collecting additional personal information would conflict with its privacy-first approach. The case sets a precedent for other platforms, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate content while balancing privacy concerns. The outcome will likely influence how online services verify user ages and protect child data in the future.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026