The UK’s culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, has said that Vinted and eBay could be added to the list of platforms that children under 16 will be barred from using. The UK’s social media ban for under-16s is due to come into force in March 2027.
During an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, Nandy confirmed the government was examining the possibility, stating it would be ‘carefully considered’ to enhance child protection. Her remarks came after reports indicated the ban could be extended to these two online resale platforms, citing concerns that their messaging tools could be exploited to target children.
The proposed restrictions would apply to any service designed for user interaction or content sharing. Platforms offering live streams or direct contact between strangers and minors—such as some gaming sites—would also face limitations. While Roblox itself won’t be blocked, its chat features will be restricted.
Platform Responses
eBay states on its website that it already requires all members to be over 18, because listings involve “entering into a contract”. Vinted is also aimed at over-18s, but its terms and conditions allow parents or guardians to create accounts for their children, which must be used under parental supervision.
A Vinted representative acknowledged that messaging is a core part of the platform but emphasized the company’s strict stance against harmful or inappropriate material. They highlighted the use of automated tools and human moderators to detect and remove violations, stressing a commitment to collaboration with officials on safety measures.
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An eBay spokesperson emphasized the company’s priority of maintaining a secure marketplace for its vast user base. While the specifics of the proposed law remain unclear, they expressed willingness to engage with policymakers to ensure compliance and safety standards.
Government Policy
The government announced the ban in June, saying children would be prevented from accessing 10 of the biggest platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Snaptchat. YouTube will also be covered, although YouTube Kids, a version of the app designed for children, will not.
The UK’s ban follows a similar measure introduced in Australia last year. Many children there have found ways around it, and the UK government has said it intends to take a tougher approach. The communications regulator Ofcom has set out its recommendations for the most effective ways to identify which of the UK’s millions of social-media users are over 16.
As the UK’s social-media ban for under-16s approaches, the government faces the challenge of ensuring age checks are effective. Rani Govender, head of online child safety at the NSPCC, said the “real question” was how the government ensured age checks were effective. In the context of similar bans in other countries, it is clear that effective age checks are only part of the solution, and that tech companies must also be required to build child safety into every platform, device and tool.
Matthew Sinclair, a senior director at the Computer and Communications Industry Association, argued that ministers should prevent “scope creep” in the rules. He said a restriction on messaging for under-16s “would not stop at social media and would reach into the services families depend on to stay in touch”, and urged the government to “ensure any new restrictions are proportionate and effective.”