Vinted and eBay could be included in under-16 social media ban, minister says
The UK government is seriously considering expanding a proposed under-16 social media ban to include online secondhand shopping and resale platforms such as eBay, Vinted, and Depop. Ministers are reviewing potential regulations that could target up to 150 different platforms, driven by growing concerns over online grooming risks on interactive sites. While some critics question whether age verification measures alone can adequately protect children, the potential restrictions highlight an expanding regulatory crackdown beyond traditional social media apps.
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- ✓ Vinted and eBay could be included in an under-16 social media ban.
- ✓ The potential ban is driven by grooming fears and concerns.
What changed
A government minister indicated that popular secondhand marketplaces like Vinted and eBay might face inclusion in the impending under-16 social media ban.
Live updates
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UK Considers Under-16 Ban for eBay, Vinted and Depop
The UK government is seriously considering expanding a proposed under-16 social media ban to include online secondhand shopping and resale platforms such as eBay, Vinted, and Depop. Ministers are reviewing potential regulations that could target up to 150 different platforms, driven by growing concerns over online grooming risks on interactive sites. While some critics question whether age verification measures alone can adequately protect children, the potential restrictions highlight an expanding regulatory crackdown beyond traditional social media apps.
Why it matters
The discussion forms part of a broader government effort to regulate online spaces occupied by children and teenagers. Policymakers are examining how messaging and interaction features on commerce sites create parallel safety risks to mainstream social media platforms. The regulations being examined could take effect as early as next March.
What is confirmed
- Vinted and eBay could be included in an under-16 social media ban.
- The potential ban is driven by grooming fears and concerns.
Still unconfirmed
- Depop could also be included in the under-16 ban under consideration by the government.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of which specific platforms will be named in the final regulations.
- Further announcements from government ministers regarding the exact scope of the March rollout.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.vinted.com — Vinted | Sell and buy clothes, shoes and accessories
- BBC — Vinted and eBay could be included in under-16 social media ban, minister says
- The Times — Under-16s to be banned from eBay and Vinted over grooming fears
- Gizmodo — Why Age Verification Alone Won't Make Social Media Safer for Kids
- The Telegraph — Under-16s to be banned from Vinted and eBay over grooming concerns
- Swansea Bay News — Gower's MP wants social media firms made to prove the under-16 ban is working
- TVGuide.co.uk — Westminster Hall on BBC Parliament HD: full details and when it's on
- The i Paper — I’m a helicopter parent, but I don’t want my daughter banned from Vinted
- Sky News — Government considering banning under-16s from Vinted and eBay
- Biometric Update — Can age checks protect children where content moderation has fallen short?
- Manchester Evening News — Andy Burnham government 'seriously considering' ban for under-16s on eBay, Vinted and Depop
- Digital Trends — First TikTok, now eBay? The UK's social media crackdown is now after secondhand shopping
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