Online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, along with major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X, will be prohibited from allowing users under the age of 16, according to new government plans. The regulations, aimed at protecting children from online grooming and exploitation, are anticipated to be implemented before the end of 2027.
The initiative follows warnings from a children's charity that young users of online sales sites are subjected to threats and coercion. Research from communications regulator Ofcom indicates that a significant percentage of children aged eight to 14 utilize these platforms monthly, with 19% using eBay and 15% using Vinted.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to issue a comprehensive list of affected platforms later this year. Online marketplaces like Depop are also included in the ban, with details to be announced in the spring. A government source emphasized the need for a robust approach to child protection online, stating that platforms with messaging functions allowing interaction with strangers must implement effective age verification measures.
The ban for online marketplaces is likely to be enacted through secondary legislation. The Children's Society has submitted written evidence to parliament, highlighting how various websites are exploited for grooming children, with specific tactics targeting vulnerable groups such as migrant children or those seeking financial gain on platforms like Vinted.
These age-restriction proposals are part of a broader government strategy to curb the impact of social media on young people. Earlier this year, plans were unveiled to ban under-16s entirely from social media platforms. For 16 and 17-year-olds, access will be restricted overnight, with their social media use automatically switched off between midnight and 6 a.m. Additionally, features designed to maximize user engagement, such as auto-playing videos and continuously refreshing personalized content feeds, will be disabled by default for older teenagers.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the measures are intended to help young people get adequate sleep, focus on their education, and spend more time with family and friends, contributing to a healthier adult life. The goal is to enable young people to benefit from technology while providing them with tools to thrive in the online world.
Vinted has become a major player in the UK fashion market, boasting 17 million British users and surpassing brands like ASOS and H&M. Some users have reported significant earnings through the platform by selling pre-loved clothing or items acquired for resale. eBay also reports substantial user engagement, with 132 million active buyers globally in 2023. Vinted and eBay have been contacted for comment.