The UK government is preparing to ban children under 16 from using online marketplaces like eBay, Vinted, and Depop, extending existing social media restrictions to prevent predators from grooming minors through private messaging.

Children in the UK could soon be banned from using online marketplaces such as eBay and Vinted, according to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. Ms Nandy is reportedly considering extending the existing social media ban for under-16s to online selling platforms, citing growing concerns that private messaging features could be exploited by predators to groom children.

When questioned on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg about whether she would expand the ban to such websites, Ms Nandy responded: We are looking seriously at doing so in order to keep children safe.

• The UK government is considering banning under-16s from online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted.
• Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed the move is under serious review to protect children from grooming.
• The ban would extend existing restrictions on social media platforms for minors.
• Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X are already expected to be included in the ban list.
• Childrens charity NSPCC supports the move but emphasizes the need for effective age verification.

Government Weighs Extension of Social Media Ban to Marketplaces

This proposed move follows a Sunday Times report revealing that the Culture Secretary is mulling over the proposal. Later this year, she is set to publish details of which social media platforms will be prohibited from allowing users under 16 years old.

Facebook, Instagram, and X are all expected to feature on the list, but the Sunday Times reported Ms Nandy could go even further in the spring by extending the crackdown to online marketplaces.

Marketplaces at Risk of New Restrictions

Vinted, Depop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are amongst those potentially facing the axe, according to the newspaper. Rani Govender, head of child safety online at the NSPCC, backed the Culture Secretary, saying she was right to consider a wider range of platforms.

Focus on Age Verification and Enforcement

Ms Govender added: Vinted and eBay already have a minimum age of 18, so the real question is how the Government and Ofcom will ensure highly effective age checks are implemented and enforced to stop children accessing them in the first place.

Context of Existing Social Media Ban

Earlier this year, when Keir Starmer was Prime Minister, a ban was introduced on under-16s using social media. At the time, Sir Keir stated: This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong. But government is always about choices, and it is clear to me that a full ban is the right choice.

No comments have been made by anyone from Vinted, Depop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace at the time of writing.