On October 24, 2023, the UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) imposed a fine of £14.47 million (over R$ 100 million) on Reddit for the unlawful processing of personal data from children. The regulatory body found that Reddit did not implement adequate age verification procedures and lacked a legal basis to collect data from users under the age of 13, which is against the UK's data protection regulations. The investigation, which began in March 2025, revealed serious concerns regarding the platform's compliance with children's privacy rights.

The ICO cited that children under 13 had their personal data collected and utilized in ways that were beyond their understanding and control, making them vulnerable to exposure to inappropriate content. Despite Reddit's terms of service prohibiting access to users younger than 13, the agency noted that before July 2025, there were no effective mechanisms in place to enforce these restrictions. This fine highlights the growing scrutiny and regulatory actions facing online platforms regarding the protection of minors' data.

This ruling serves as a significant warning to other social media and online platforms to strengthen their data protection measures and compliance with age-related regulations. It underscores the necessity of implementing robust age verification systems to safeguard children from potential risks associated with data collection and online exposure to harmful materials. As regulators worldwide step up their enforcement of data protection laws, companies will need to reassess their practices to avoid similar penalties.