The UK government is considering expanding its upcoming social media ban for under-16s to include online reselling platforms like Vinted and eBay.
Key facts
- •The UK social media ban for under-16s is scheduled to begin in March 2025.
- •Vinted has reached 17 million users in the UK.
- •The government is evaluating whether to include Depop and Facebook Marketplace in the ban alongside Vinted and eBay.
- •Ofcom has provided recommendations to the government on methods for verifying the ages of social media users.
- •The NSPCC stated that effective age checks must be paired with built-in child safety features on all platforms.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed the government is "looking seriously" at restricting access to Vinted and eBay for children under 16. The potential expansion aims to enhance child safety by limiting access to platforms with messaging functions that could facilitate grooming. This move would build upon the government's broader social media ban for under-16s, which is scheduled to take effect in March next year.
Safety Concerns and Platform Responses
The consideration to include reselling sites follows reports that messaging features on these platforms pose risks to children. While both eBay and Vinted currently require users to be over 18, Vinted’s terms allow parents to create accounts for children under supervision. Both companies stated they are working with the government, with Vinted emphasizing its use of moderation teams to remove harmful content and eBay highlighting its commitment to a safe marketplace.
Scope of the Social Media Ban
The government's upcoming legislation targets platforms that enable social interaction and allow users to post material. While a full list of affected sites remains unreleased, the restrictions are expected to cover livestreaming services and gaming sites with contact features. However, the government has indicated that certain platforms, such as Roblox, may face feature-specific restrictions rather than a total ban. Industry representatives have urged the government to ensure these measures remain proportionate and avoid excessive scope creep.
Timeline
- June 2024The UK government announced a plan to ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms.
- Last monthOfcom set out recommendations for identifying users aged over 16.
- March 2025The social media ban for under-16s is scheduled to come into force.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Technology.
