The UK government is examining whether to extend its planned social media ban to include online reselling platforms Vinted and eBay, citing child safety concerns. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed on 15 December 2024 that ministers were "looking seriously" at incorporating these marketplaces into restrictions set to take effect in spring 2027, when under-16s will be barred from major social platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. According to BBC News, the expansion stems from concerns that messaging features on these platforms could enable strangers to contact and groom children.
The government's consideration of Vinted and eBay follows reporting that similar reselling sites—Depop and Facebook Marketplace—may also face restrictions. Both Vinted and eBay currently require users to be at least 18 years old, though enforcement of age limits on these platforms has proven inconsistent. Vinted, which specialises in second-hand fashion and has grown to serve 17 million UK users, and eBay, the long-established global reselling marketplace, would join a growing list of services subject to the new age restrictions.
The broader social media ban was announced in June 2026 following a government consultation that received 116,211 responses. Government policy documents indicate that nine in ten parents supported the measure, and two-thirds of young people backed restricting under-16s from at least some social media platforms. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 provides the legal framework requiring age or functionality restrictions for children using social media.
Why are reselling platforms being considered for the ban?
Messaging functions on Vinted, eBay and similar sites create pathways for contact between strangers and minors, raising grooming risks. The Children's Society has warned that some young users of online sales sites are solicited for indecent photographs in exchange for money or gifts. Research cited by Ofcom found that 19% of children aged 8–14 use eBay monthly, compared with 15% who use Vinted, indicating substantial youth engagement with these platforms despite their stated age requirements.
How does this fit into the wider social media restrictions?
The government's approach distinguishes between an outright ban on under-16s using social media and restrictions on harmful features—such as livestreaming and contact from strangers—on other online services. YouTube will be banned entirely for under-16s, though YouTube Kids, a version designed for younger audiences, will remain available. Gaming platforms like Roblox, the largest gaming site in the UK for eight to 12-year-olds, will not face a complete ban but will have certain features such as chat functions restricted.
The restrictions apply to platforms whose primary purpose is enabling social interaction and allowing users to post material. Services with livestreaming capabilities or features permitting stranger contact will also be subject to limitations. A complete list of all affected platforms has not yet been released, though the government has indicated it will cover the ten largest social media services.
How will the government enforce age restrictions?
Enforcement remains a significant challenge. Ofcom, the communications regulator, has identified four age-checking methods it considers capable of being highly effective: photo-ID matching, banking checks, digital-ID services and facial age estimation. The regulator set out these recommendations in recent weeks as ministers grapple with how to verify the ages of millions of UK social media users.
The UK's approach is stricter than Australia's similar ban introduced last year. Many Australian children have circumvented that restriction, prompting the UK government to signal its intention to implement more robust enforcement mechanisms.
What happens next?
The government intends to lay the first regulations before Parliament by the end of 2026, requiring approval by both Houses. The restrictions are expected to take effect in spring 2027. Government guidance states that parents and children do not need to take action now, as the implementation period allows time for platforms and users to prepare for the changes.
The BBC has contacted Vinted and eBay for comment on the government's consideration of their inclusion in the ban.
