UK Fines Reddit $20 Million Over Children’s Data Failures
Britain’s data watchdog has fined Reddit £14.5 million for failing to adequately protect children’s personal data and for not conducting a required risk assessment before January 2025. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) found that the platform unlawfully collected and used the personal information of children under 13, potentially exposing them to harmful content. While Reddit prohibits users under 13, it lacked age verification measures until July 2025, leading to children’s data being processed without their understanding or consent. The company intends to appeal this decision, which stems from an investigation launched in March 2025 into Reddit’s age assurance and data usage practices.
John Q. Hosedrinker