The UK Information Commissioner’s Office has opened a formal inquiry into allegations that data about children was collected through the YouTube platform in ways that may breach law. The probe follows a complaint filed by a charitable group and an individual who is a parent of three, highlighting concerns about how the web version of YouTube handles information from younger users. The ICO’s move puts the spotlight on whether video hosting sites are respecting privacy rules intended to protect children online, with the agency indicating that it will act if protections are not upheld.
According to the 5Rights Foundation, YouTube could be violating the UK Children’s Act in several areas, including the collection of data tied to video viewing, location data, browsing history, and user preferences among younger users. The watchdogs point to specific patterns in data handling that could expose minors to privacy risks or bypass consent requirements meant to safeguard their information.
Bloomberg has reported that, should these claims be substantiated, the platform could face a fine amounting to as much as 4 percent of its global annual revenue. That potential penalty underscores the seriousness with which regulators are approaching children’s data protection in the digital space.
In related context, discussions about regulatory action against large technology providers have been ongoing in Europe, where similar scrutiny has produced calls for substantial penalties in other sectors of digital services. The focus remains on ensuring that major platforms implement clear age-appropriate safeguards, transparent data practices, and enforceable controls to limit data collection from younger users. In the broader landscape, authorities continue to assess how well platforms align with evolving privacy norms and child protection standards across regions.