Reddit Fined £14 Million by UK Regulator Over Failures in Age Verification Controls
Information Commissioner’s Office penalises social media platform for inadequate safeguards protecting children’s data
Reddit has been fined £14 million by the United Kingdom’s data protection regulator after an investigation found shortcomings in the platform’s age verification and child data protection measures.
The Information Commissioner’s Office concluded that the company failed to implement adequate systems to verify users’ ages and prevent children from accessing content and services not appropriate for minors.
Regulators said the shortcomings breached UK data protection laws requiring online platforms to apply stronger safeguards when processing children’s personal information.
According to the watchdog, Reddit did not take sufficient steps to ensure that its age assurance mechanisms were robust, relying heavily on self-declaration without additional verification layers.
Investigators found that this approach created risks that underage users could access adult-oriented communities or have their data processed without the heightened protections mandated under the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code.
The regulator stated that companies operating digital platforms accessible to children must adopt privacy-by-design principles and demonstrate proactive compliance with legal obligations.
It added that enforcement action was necessary to uphold public confidence and ensure technology firms take child safety responsibilities seriously.
Reddit said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options, including a potential appeal.
The company emphasised that it has invested in safety tools and moderation systems and remains committed to strengthening protections for younger users.
The fine represents one of the more significant penalties issued under the UK’s data protection regime in recent years and comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny of social media companies’ handling of children’s data.
Authorities have signalled that age verification and content safeguards will remain a central focus as online safety frameworks continue to evolve.
The ruling underscores the increasing expectation that global technology platforms adapt their systems to meet domestic regulatory standards, particularly in jurisdictions prioritising enhanced protections for minors in digital environments.
The Information Commissioner’s Office concluded that the company failed to implement adequate systems to verify users’ ages and prevent children from accessing content and services not appropriate for minors.
Regulators said the shortcomings breached UK data protection laws requiring online platforms to apply stronger safeguards when processing children’s personal information.
According to the watchdog, Reddit did not take sufficient steps to ensure that its age assurance mechanisms were robust, relying heavily on self-declaration without additional verification layers.
Investigators found that this approach created risks that underage users could access adult-oriented communities or have their data processed without the heightened protections mandated under the UK’s Age Appropriate Design Code.
The regulator stated that companies operating digital platforms accessible to children must adopt privacy-by-design principles and demonstrate proactive compliance with legal obligations.
It added that enforcement action was necessary to uphold public confidence and ensure technology firms take child safety responsibilities seriously.
Reddit said it was reviewing the decision and considering its options, including a potential appeal.
The company emphasised that it has invested in safety tools and moderation systems and remains committed to strengthening protections for younger users.
The fine represents one of the more significant penalties issued under the UK’s data protection regime in recent years and comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny of social media companies’ handling of children’s data.
Authorities have signalled that age verification and content safeguards will remain a central focus as online safety frameworks continue to evolve.
The ruling underscores the increasing expectation that global technology platforms adapt their systems to meet domestic regulatory standards, particularly in jurisdictions prioritising enhanced protections for minors in digital environments.
