Government 'looking seriously' at banning under-16s from Vinted and eBay

The government is seriously considering whether Vinted and eBay should be included among platforms that could be banned for users under 16, the culture secretary has said.

Platforms under consideration

The comments place the two online marketplaces within a wider government discussion about restricting access to certain platforms for under-16s. No final decision on their inclusion was provided.

Vinted and eBay could therefore become part of any future list of services covered by the proposed age restriction. For now, their inclusion remains under consideration rather than confirmed.

Potential impact

If the platforms were included, under-16 users would face a restriction on access to them. The possibility also gives the marketplaces a direct interest in the government’s review, although the available information does not set out how any ban would be implemented.

The culture secretary’s remarks signal that the government is examining the issue seriously, while leaving the final scope of any restrictions unresolved.

What happens next

Further details, including whether Vinted and eBay will appear on the final list and when any restrictions might take effect, have not been provided.