UK fines Reddit for not checking user ages aggressively enough
Key Takeaways
ICO fined Reddit £14.5M for failing to verify user ages, violating data protection laws.
Reddit's age assurance system, implemented in July 2025, relies on self-declaration, deemed insufficient by ICO.
ICO mandates more robust age verification methods, especially for high-risk services targeting children.
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) imposed a £14.5 million fine on Reddit for not implementing adequate age verification mechanisms, leading to unlawful processing of children’s personal data. The ICO's investigation revealed that Reddit lacked a robust age assurance system prior to its July 2025 rollout, which still relies on user self-declaration, presenting significant risks of bypassing age checks.
Reddit's current age verification, utilizing the vendor Persona, has come under scrutiny as the ICO emphasizes the need for more stringent methods to protect minors. The ICO's findings highlight that self-declaration is inappropriate for platforms with high risks to children, prompting further regulatory engagement for services that continue to rely on this method. Reddit's appeal against the fine underscores a conflict between user privacy commitments and regulatory demands for enhanced data collection.
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