UK Government Considers Banning Under-16s from eBay and Vinted Over Safety
The UK government explores a ban for children under 16 on marketplaces like eBay and Vinted to protect them from online grooming risks.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The British government is seriously evaluating a ban that would prevent children under the age of sixteen from using online marketplaces such as eBay and Vinted.
Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated that officials are considering expanding existing social media restrictions to include these trading platforms. The move stems from concerns that messaging features on these sites could be exploited by strangers to groom minors.
Nandy is scheduled to release a specific list of social media platforms that will be closed to under-16s later this year, which is expected to feature major giants like Facebook, Instagram, and X.
However, according to reporting by The Sunday Times, the Secretary may push the regulations further in the spring to encompass marketplaces. Platforms potentially facing these new restrictions include Vinted, Depop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Nandy confirmed the possibility of extending the ban. She stated, “We are looking seriously at doing so in order to keep children safe.”
This development follows a June announcement by then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who proposed social media restrictions for teenagers following a national consultation that revealed broad public support for the measures.
The Prime Minister introduced these plans to limit the digital activities of children, asserting that social media platforms contribute to unhappiness among the youth.
The administration intends to adopt a framework similar to that used in Australia, which includes more rigorous age verification requirements and efforts aimed at regulating AI chatbots.
Starmer described the proposed ban as taking “world-leading” action against social media, gaming, and livestreaming companies to ensure strangers cannot contact young people.
With nine out of ten parents supporting the move, Starmer, a father of two, maintained that a total ban for those under 16 is the correct path forward. He noted, This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong. But government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
