Reddit has been penalized with a fine of £14.47 million by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for illegally handling the personal data of minors. The ICO found that the platform did not sufficiently verify the ages of its users, thereby endangering children by exposing them to inappropriate online content.
"It's alarming that a company as large as Reddit failed in its legal obligation to protect the personal information of children in the UK," stated John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner. In response, Reddit asserted that it does not require users to disclose information about their identity, regardless of their age, emphasizing their commitment to user privacy and safety.
The fine covers infractions that occurred between May 5, 2018, and July 8, 2025, during which Reddit was found to have processed data belonging to children under the age of 13 in violation of the law. Online platforms accessed by children have a legal responsibility to safeguard them, which includes ensuring that their data collection practices pose no risks.
"To accomplish this, companies must be certain of their users’ ages and implement effective age verification measures," Edwards remarked. He noted that Reddit failed to meet these essential requirements. On July 8, 2025, Reddit began age verification processes to align with the Online Safety Act (OSA). However, the ICO criticized its previous method of relying on self- reported ages as being easily circumvented and assured that it would keep monitoring compliance.
The ICO's investigation into Reddit initiated last March, alongside inquiries into TikTok and Imgur, in response to concerns over their treatment of children's data. While Reddit's user terms prohibit individuals under 13 from joining, estimates claim that the platform had a significant number of underage users. Consequently, the ICO determined that Reddit processed these minors' data without a lawful basis.
UK law necessitates heightened vigilance when gathering information from children, who may be less aware of the potential risks. The ICO underscored that Reddit "must do better" and is currently evaluating the age assurance systems put in place since July 2025. A spokesperson for Reddit expressed dissatisfaction with the ICO, arguing that mandating the collection of more private information from users contradicts the platform's dedication to privacy and safety, and the firm intends to contest the fine.
Reddit has experienced substantial growth within the UK, ranking as the 12th most visited site overall and fourth among social media platforms as of 2025. Following the introduction of age verification measures under OSA, unverified users were prevented from accessing specific adult content, including certain subreddits and user profiles.
The ICO plans to continue collaborating with Ofcom, the body responsible for enforcing the OSA, to enhance online child protection. Ofcom has recently fined several pornographic website operators for inadequate age verification measures, marking its largest fine under the OSA to date.
According to social media expert Matt Navarra, the ICO and Ofcom are employing a “two-pronged regulatory strategy” in the UK. "The ICO is focused on children's data and design expectations, while broader online safety regulations are nudging the industry toward genuine age verification," he noted. Navarra indicated that the fine for Reddit is a significant development, signaling that regulators now regard Reddit as a major social platform with vital responsibilities regarding child safety.
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