Reddit fined $19.6 million over age verification checks in the UK
Engadget
by Will ShanklinFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has fined Reddit £14.5 million ($19.6 million) for failing to adequately verify user ages, potentially exposing children to inappropriate content. The ICO accused Reddit of collecting personal data from children under 13 without their understanding or consent, which could have exposed them to harmful material. This fine highlights the tension between user privacy and ensuring minors are protected online.
In response to the UK’s Online Safety Act, Reddit implemented age verification measures in July 2025, requiring users to declare they are over 18 to access adult content. However, enforcement of its policy banning under-13s from using the platform was lax, relying solely on self-reported declarations during sign-up. The ICO called this method “easy to bypass,” pointing out that Reddit failed to implement robust age assurance controls despite legal obligations.
The fine is part of a broader effort by regulators to hold tech companies accountable for safeguarding children’s data and ensuring they are not exposed to risks. The ICO emphasized the importance of companies having reliable age verification systems in place, especially when services are likely to be accessed by minors. Reddit plans to appeal the decision, arguing that collecting more personal information would conflict with its commitment to user privacy.
This case underscores the growing scrutiny on online platforms to balance privacy protections with legal responsibilities to prevent children from accessing harmful content. The fine sets a precedent for companies operating globally to prioritize effective age verification and data protection measures. With tech-savvy readers in mind, this ruling highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing online safety laws while respecting user privacy rights.
Verticals
techconsumer-tech
Originally published on Engadget on 2/24/2026