In a significant move for online safety, Reddit has been fined £14.47 million by the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for failing to adequately verify the ages of its users and unlawfully processing children’s personal data. This decision underscores the pressing need for social media platforms to implement robust age verification measures, especially as concerns about children’s safety online continue to grow.
Age Verification Oversights
The ICO’s ruling highlights that Reddit did not take sufficient steps to ascertain the ages of its users, particularly those under 13. John Edwards, the UK Information Commissioner, expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s concerning that a company the size of Reddit failed in its legal duty to protect the personal information of UK children.” The fine pertains to violations occurring between 5 May 2018 and 8 July 2025, during which Reddit was found to be processing children’s data without a lawful basis.
Reddit has maintained that it prioritised user privacy, noting that it did not require users to disclose their identity or age when signing up. However, the ICO found this approach inadequate, asserting that effective age assurance measures are essential for protecting young users from exposure to harmful content.
Compliance with New Regulations
In response to the increasing scrutiny and the enactment of the Online Safety Act (OSA), Reddit began implementing age verification processes on 8 July 2025. Nonetheless, the ICO pointed out that simply asking users to declare their age when registering is an ineffective method that can be easily circumvented. As a result, the ICO has committed to ongoing oversight of Reddit’s compliance efforts.
Reddit’s spokesperson has indicated intentions to appeal the ICO’s decision, arguing that the regulator’s push for more stringent data collection contradicts the platform’s commitment to user privacy and safety.
The Bigger Picture: Growing Scrutiny on Social Media
Reddit’s growing prominence in the UK—ranked as the 12th most visited website and the fourth most popular social media platform in 2025 according to Ofcom—makes its compliance with data protection regulations all the more critical. The ICO’s findings are part of a broader investigation into how social media platforms handle children’s data, which also includes scrutiny of TikTok and Imgur.
As the ICO collaborates with Ofcom to enforce the OSA, there is a clear message to social media giants: they must take their responsibilities seriously, especially when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable users. The ICO’s recent actions, alongside Ofcom’s enforcement of age verification on adult content sites, reflects a coordinated effort to enhance online safety standards.
Why it Matters
The implications of this ruling extend beyond just Reddit; it signifies a pivotal moment in the regulatory landscape for social media platforms. As online environments become increasingly integral to daily life, the responsibilities of these platforms to safeguard young users’ data cannot be overstated. This fine serves as a stark reminder that while the internet is a vast realm of information and connection, it must also be a safe space for all users, particularly children. As regulatory bodies ramp up their efforts, the onus is now on platforms to ensure they are not only meeting legal requirements but also fostering a culture of safety and trust online.
