British Culture Minister Lisa Nandy is considering a radical measure amid concerns that the messaging functions of online sales platforms could facilitate grooming – the targeting of minors for sexual purposes.
The ban on access for users under 16 on social networks, a measure the London government is set to implement, could also be extended to platforms like Vinted and eBay. “We are seriously considering this measure to ensure the safety of children,” said British Culture Minister Lisa Nandy, according to Sky News.
She is expected to announce, during this year, the social platforms that will be prohibited from having users under the age of 16.
The measure is expected to target access on Facebook, X, and Instagram, but the Sunday Times reported that in the spring, Nandy could go further, extending the ban to online commerce platforms. Vinted, Depop, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace could all be targeted by this ban.
The Risks of Children’s Presence on Online Commerce Platforms
According to research conducted by Ofcom, approximately 19% of British children aged between eight and 14 use eBay every month, while 15% use Vinted.
The organization The Children's Society warned in a report that minors who need money are targeted on sites such as Vinted and Facebook Marketplace.
The report mentions that in such situations, children are “asked for indecent photos in exchange for money” or they “receive packages containing drugs, with the aim of luring them to use certain accounts.”
Four Effective “Fences” That Can Be Circumvented
Last month, Ofcom stated that age checks on social networks could help protect individuals under 16 from inappropriate online content, but warned that some children might find ways to bypass them.
The warning was included in a report assessing the effectiveness of proposed measures to restrict young people’s access to adult or harmful content or to addictive apps.
Bank checks, photo ID, digital ID, and age estimation technology via facial recognition can be “very effective” in verifying users’ ages, but all four methods could be circumvented, the regulatory body emphasized.
When the Ban Will Come Into Effect
Prime Minister Andy Burnham intends to implement the age-based social network usage ban, announced by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer towards the end of his term.
British ministers are expected to introduce the restrictive regulations by the end of the year, with them coming into force at the end of spring 2027.
A similar ban was introduced in Australia last year.
T.D.