Government considers extending under-16s social media ban to Vinted and eBay

The UK Government is considering extending its planned social media restrictions for under-16s to include online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, as ministers look at further measures to improve children's safety online.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government was "looking seriously" at including the popular resale platforms in the restrictions, which are expected to come into force in March 2027.

Speaking on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Nandy was asked whether children under 16 could also be prevented from accessing Vinted and eBay.

She replied that the Government was seriously considering the move as part of efforts to keep children safe.

The possibility was also reported by The Sunday Times, which suggested the plans could extend to other online selling platforms, including Depop and Facebook Marketplace.

Concerns have reportedly focused on messaging features that allow users to communicate directly with other people, potentially creating opportunities for strangers to contact and groom children.

Vinted and eBay are among the UK's best-known online marketplaces, allowing people to buy and sell second-hand goods. Vinted has grown significantly in recent years and is reported to have around 17 million users in the UK.

Both companies already have minimum age requirements of 18. eBay says membership requires users to be at least 18 because buying and selling involves entering into a contract. Vinted also requires its members to be adults.

Responding to the possibility of further restrictions, an eBay spokesperson said the company remained focused on providing a trusted and safe marketplace for its millions of customers.

The company added that, although the details of the proposed legislation were not yet clear, it looked forward to understanding more and continuing to work constructively with the Government.

Vinted had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

The wider restrictions were announced by the Government in June 2026 and are intended to prevent children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

YouTube is also expected to be included, although YouTube Kids will be exempt.

The Government has indicated that restrictions will cover platforms designed to enable social interaction and allow users to post content. Services with livestreaming and features that allow strangers to contact children could also fall within the scope of the measures.

Gaming platforms are another area being considered. Roblox, which is particularly popular among children aged between eight and 12, is not expected to be completely banned, but certain features, including chat functions, could face restrictions.

The UK is following developments in Australia, which introduced similar restrictions for under-16s last year. However, concerns have emerged over how effectively age restrictions can be enforced, with some children reportedly finding ways around the rules.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has also been examining how platforms can reliably establish whether users are over 16. Its recommendations include approaches to age verification and identifying younger users.

No final decision has been announced on whether Vinted, eBay or other online marketplaces will be included in the planned restrictions.

The proposals could have implications for millions of people who use online marketplaces to buy and sell unwanted clothes, electronics, household goods and other second-hand items.

Further details are expected as the Government continues developing its approach to online safety ahead of the planned March 2027 implementation.