The government is actively considering adding online marketplaces Vinted and eBay to the list of platforms that will be banned for children under 16, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has confirmed.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Nandy stated that ministers are “looking seriously” at including the retail sites in the forthcoming legislation to protect children from harm. The broader social media ban for under-16s—which covers platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat—is scheduled to take effect in March next year.
The potential expansion follows reports that messaging functions on these resale platforms could allow strangers to groom children. Similar platforms, including Depop and Facebook Marketplace, are also expected to fall under the restrictions.
Both Vinted and eBay currently require users to be at least 18 years old. eBay notes that its age requirement exists because listings involve entering into a contract, while Vinted—which has grown rapidly to 17 million UK users—maintains a similar policy.
An eBay spokesperson said the company is “focused on providing a trusted and safe marketplace experience” and looks forward to working constructively with the government as the details of the legislation are finalized. Vinted has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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