UK Government Evaluates Extension of Under-16 Restrictions to Online Marketplaces

The United Kingdom government is examining proposals to include online retail platforms such as Vinted and eBay in a planned prohibition for individuals aged under 16. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that authorities are considering the measure seriously to protect children.

The planned restrictions are scheduled to take effect in March next year, preventing minors from accessing platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. According to a report by the Sunday Times, the potential expansion to reselling websites stems from concerns that internal messaging functions could permit strangers to groom minors. The newspaper indicated that similar marketplaces, including Depop and Facebook Marketplace, could also face restrictions.

Current rules for eBay require all users to be at least 18 years old because listings involve entering into binding contracts. Meanwhile, Vinted's terms and conditions state that the platform is intended for adults, though parents or guardians are permitted to establish accounts for minors provided the profiles are operated under parental supervision. Vinted has expanded significantly to reach 17 million users in the UK.

Representatives for both companies responded to the consideration by expressing a willingness to engage with officials. An eBay spokesperson stated that the firm aims to maintain a secure marketplace experience and anticipates collaborating with the government as details emerge. A Vinted spokesperson noted that direct messaging is integral to the service but highlighted that the platform maintains zero tolerance for explicit content, employing moderation teams and automated tools to detect rule violations.

Vinted's spokesperson added that the company takes action upon identifying inappropriate behaviour, which can range from permanent account suspensions to reporting incidents to relevant authorities.