The UK government is set to ban under-16s from Vinted and eBay amid fears that the online platforms' messaging functions allow strangers to groom children.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, is gearing up to discuss expanding the social media ban announced earlier in the year to cover online marketplaces. Depop and Facebook Marketplace are also expected to be included.

The Children’s Society claims that some young users are being “asked for indecent photos in exchange for money” or gifts on these sites.

A government source told The Times: “There is an increasing body of evidence that says under-16s are accessing these services a lot and are potentially accessing risk. We need to take a comprehensive approach to protecting children from harm online."

Vinted, eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace did not respond to our request for comment.

Public demand

The UK government ran a national consultation on a social media ban for under-16s from March to May 2026. It claims that the results showed overwhelming public demand for action, with nine in ten parents backing a ban, and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.

The plan is to use the same model that is live in Australia. That country's model includes platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and X. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal are not set to be included.

High risk features including livestreaming and strangers being able to contact children will also be restricted for under‑16s on other online services like gaming. This will be backed up by stronger requirements for age checks on platforms.

The first set of regulations will be laid out before the end of the year, and the changes should be implemented in spring 2027.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Online retail was a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

Check out our winners here.

The awards celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world. Our winners were revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

The event consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.