UK weighs under-16 restrictions on Vinted and eBay

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the UK government is seriously considering extending restrictions on under-16s to online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, citing concerns about children being contacted by strangers through messaging functions. The proposal has not been confirmed as final policy.

Asked whether the government would restrict under-16s from using the platforms, Nandy said: “We are looking seriously at doing so in order to keep children safe.” Government sources said ministers are considering effective age requirements for services whose messaging features let users communicate with strangers. Depop and Facebook Marketplace have also been named as possible platforms affected, while online gaming services could be considered because they offer similar contact features.

The marketplaces already set a minimum account age of 18, according to their published rules. However, Ofcom research cited in reports found that children aged eight to 14 use the services monthly: 19% use eBay and 15% use Vinted. The research was reported as indicating that age rules are being circumvented.

The Children’s Society told Parliament that children who need money may be targeted on...