Reddit Fined £18.8 Million for UK Data Privacy Breaches and Child Safety Failings

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UK Online Forum Fined £14.5 Million for Failing to Protect Children’s Data

A UK-based online forum has been fined £14.5 million ($19.5 million) by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for failing to protect children’s personal data. The regulator found that the platform’s age verification measures were inadequate, allowing children under 13 to access content they should not have seen.

Insufficient Age Verification Measures

According to the ICO, the platform’s failure to implement effective age assurance measures resulted in the unlawful collection and use of children’s data. The regulator’s investigation found that the platform did not have a way to verify the ages of its users before July 2025, despite claiming to prohibit children under 13 from using its service.

Information Commissioner John Edwards stated that online platforms have a responsibility to protect children by ensuring they are not exposed to risks through the way their data is used. Edwards emphasized that effective age assurance measures are necessary to prevent such risks.

Insufficient Age Verification Measures Implemented in July 2025

The platform in question rolled out age verification measures in July 2025, which included asking users to declare their age when setting up an account. However, the ICO deemed this approach insufficient, as self-declaration is easily bypassed. The regulator has warned the platform that it will continue to monitor its handling of children’s data.

Company to Appeal the Decision

The company has announced its intention to appeal the decision, stating that it prioritizes user privacy and safety. In a statement, the company argued that the ICO’s insistence on collecting more private information from users is counterintuitive and contradicts its commitment to user privacy.

Part of a Series of Enforcement Actions

This fine is the latest in a series of enforcement actions taken by the ICO against online platforms for failing to protect children’s data. Earlier this month, the regulator fined MediaLab, the owner of image-sharing site Imgur, £247,590 for similar failures. The ICO has also been investigating TikTok since last year over concerns about its handling of children’s data.