UK Government 'looking seriously' at banning under-16s from Vinted and eBay

The UK government is seriously considering extending its planned ban on social media access for under-16s to online marketplaces including Vinted and eBay. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says the aim is to protect children, amid concerns that direct messaging on resale platforms could let strangers groom them. Depop and Facebook Marketplace may also be covered. The wider ban, due to take effect in March, is intended to apply to services that enable social interaction and user posts, potentially including some gaming features, although not necessarily entire platforms. The government has yet to publish the complete list of affected services.

The platforms have responded cautiously: eBay says it wants more detail and will work with the government, while Vinted welcomes dialogue and points to moderation tools, a zero-tolerance policy for harmful content, and action against offenders. Their age rules differ: eBay requires members to be over 18, while Vinted permits parent-managed accounts for children. The proposal has prompted concern that restrictions could expand beyond social media and interfere with services families rely on. Child-safety advocates say age checks need to be effective, but must be paired with stronger safety measures built into platforms. Enforcement remains a key challenge: the UK plans a tougher approach than Australia’s ban, where children have found ways around restrictions.