The British data protection regulatory agency fined the Reddit platform 14.47 million pounds, equivalent to more than R$100 million, for violations related to the processing of children’s personal information. The decision took place this Tuesday (February 24, 2026) and is the result of an investigation that began in March 2025. Information Commissioner’s
The flaw exposed children to potentially inappropriate content on the online discussion forum platform. The ICO highlighted that, although the terms of use prohibited access to children under 13, verification depended only on users’ self-declaration, a method considered easy to circumvent. The company only introduced stricter age controls in July 2025, including verification for mature content.
Details of the investigation and identified flaws
The ICO pointed out that Reddit did not carry out an impact assessment on data protection for children before January 2025. Essa omission prevented the identification and mitigation of specific risks to minors. The absence of robust verification has resulted in the illegal processing of personal information for years.
The agency emphasized that children did not understand or control how their data was used. Essa situation increased vulnerability to content that should not be accessed on the platform.
Company response and regulatory context
A spokesperson for Reddit reported that the company intends to appeal the fine. The platform reinforced its commitment to user privacy and security, highlighting that it does not require sharing identity information regardless of age.
The British government has stepped up action to protect minors online. Recentemente, launched a public consultation on a possible ban on social networks for children under 16. The ICO has been conducting similar investigations into other platforms such as TikTok and Imgur since March 2025.
Measures implemented by the platform
Since July 2025, Reddit has required age verification to access mature content on Reino Unido. The change meets local regulatory requirements. The company claims that it prioritizes privacy by avoiding excessive collection of personal data.
Impact on the regulation of digital platforms
The fine represents the largest penalty imposed by the ICO in child privacy cases to date. The regulator signals a greater requirement for protection mechanisms on global platforms. Empresas need to adopt effective checks to comply with personal data standards.
The ICO maintains a focus on ensuring that platforms avoid risks to minors. The decision reinforces the need for solid legal bases for any processing of children’s information.
Record fine on child protection
The penalty highlights the seriousness of the persistent failures until mid-2025. Crianças remained exposed for a long period due to a lack of appropriate controls.
