The British data regulator is gathering data on Snapchat to determine whether the American instant messaging service is taking sufficient steps to block minors from using its services.
According to a report by Reuters, social media businesses must obtain parental permission before processing the data of children under 13 in accordance with UK data protection rules.
Users of social media networks must generally be 13 or older, however companies have had varying degrees of success in keeping kids off their services.
“We share the goals of the Information Commissioner’s Office to ensure digital platforms are age appropriate and support the duties set out in the Children’s Code,” a Snap spokesperson said.
“We continue to have constructive conversations with them on the work we’re doing to achieve this,” Snap added.
The ICO often compiles information about a purported breach before opening any official investigations.
Before deciding whether to penalise the person or organisation under investigation, it may issue an information notice, which is a formal request for internal data that may help the inquiry.
60% of kids between the ages of eight and eleven had at least one social media account last year, which was frequently made by giving a bogus date of birth, according to data from Ofcom.
It also discovered that the most widely used social networking app among teenagers was Snapchat.
Following the Reuters investigation, the public complained to the ICO about Snap’s management of children’s data.
ICO continues to monitor and evaluate the measures Snap and other social media platforms are taking to stop minors from using their services, a representative for the organisation told Reuters.
In the upcoming months, it will be decided whether to open a formal probe on Snapchat, according to Reuters.
