UK inquiry into TikTok and Reddit highlights risks to your child’s data: how to protect it

In a significant effort to protect minors’ privacy, Britain’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), this week launched an investigation into how global tech giants TikTok, Reddit and Imgur manage the personal data of underage users. This probe arises amid increasing concerns regarding the exploitation of children’s data and the ethical responsibilities of social media platforms. In South Africa, where social media usage among teens is rapidly increasing, this development highlights the urgent need for robust data protection laws and stricter oversight of tech companies. The investigation reflects a broader global debate about the ethical use of data, particularly concerning vulnerable groups like children. According to the organisation, Kids Mental Health Foundation, it is essential to consider how marketers may use data collected on children and to develop a…