UK Considers Extending Under-16 Social Media Ban to Vinted and eBay

The UK government is considering extending its planned social media ban for under-16s to online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Nandy said ministers were “looking seriously” at including the platforms as part of efforts to protect children online. The wider ban, scheduled to take effect in March next year, will initially restrict under-16s from accessing major platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The proposed expansion follows concerns that messaging features on resale platforms could expose children to online grooming and inappropriate contact from strangers. Depop and Facebook Marketplace could also face restrictions. While eBay currently requires members to be over 18, Vinted allows parents or guardians to create accounts for children under their supervision. Both companies have expressed willingness to engage with the government, highlighting their existing safety measures, moderation systems and policies against harmful content.

The possible expansion has raised concerns among technology industry representatives about the scope of the proposed legislation. Industry groups warn that extending restrictions beyond social media could affect services families rely on for everyday communication. Meanwhile, child safety organisations have called for effective age-verification systems and stronger protections across digital platforms. Although the government has yet to publish the complete list of affected services, it says the restrictions will target platforms that enable social interaction and allow users to share content.

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