IMGUR blocks access to UK users after the proposed organizational fine
IMGUR photo hosting in the UK was prevented from reaching its content.
IMGur is used by millions to make and share images such as via web, especially in Reddit and in online forums.
But UK users trying to reach IMGUR on Tuesday have met a mistake that says “The content is not available in your area” – with the sharing of IMGur content on other websites.
The UK Data Monitoring Authority, the Information Commissioner Office (ICO), said it had informed the platform’s parent company, Mediab AI, of plans to raise IMGur after searching for its approach to age examination and using personal data for children.
The BBC is close to Mediabab AI to comment.
“From September 30, 2025, IMGur from the UK is no longer available.”
“UK users will not be able to log in, content or download. Imagur content that is included in the third -party sites for UK users will not be displayed.”
I launched ICO Achieving it in IMGUR In March – they will verify whether companies are compatible with both the UK Data Protection Laws and Children’s Law.
These require platforms to take steps to protect children using online services in the United Kingdom, including reducing the amount of data they collect from them.
document It was published by ICO In addition to launching her investigation, I stated that IMGUR did not ask visitors to announce their age when creating an account.
She said on Tuesday that she had reached preliminary results in her investigation, and on September 10, Midalab issued a notice of a fine imposition.
“The results we have reached are temporary and ICO carefully considers any representations from Medialaab before making a final decision whether a financial penalty will be issued,” said Tim Capel, the ICO temporary executive director.
“We were clear that leaving the UK does not allow the institution to avoid responsibility for any prior violation of the Data Protection Law, and our investigation is still continuing.”
The International Energy Agency will not clarify what the results they reached, nor the details of a possible fine, when I asked the BBC.
“This update was presented to give clarity in our investigation, and we will not provide any other details at this time,” Capel said. In his statement.
Some IMGUR users and reports speculate whether IMGUR has moved to prevent UK users from their services, rather than compliance with the child’s recently imposed child safety duties on some platforms under the online safety law.
Among these requirements for sites that allow pornography or content that promotes suicide and takes self -harm to use technology to verify whether visitors are more than 18 years.
But both ICO and Offcom – the media organizer that imposes online safety law – said IMGur, who suspends access to UK users was its “commercial decision.”
“IMGur’s decision to restrict access to the UK is a commercial decision made by the company and not the result of any action taken by Offcom,” an Offic spokesman told the BBC.
“The other services managed by Mediab are still available in the United Kingdom – such as Kik Messenger, which has implemented a lifetime guarantee to comply with the online safety law.”
He said In an article on its website UK users can exercise their rights under the Data Protection Law and request to receive a copy of their date or request to delete their account.