UK plans marketplace ban for under-16s over grooming concerns

The UK Government plans to bar under-16s from online marketplaces including Vinted and eBay, amid concerns that children may be groomed, threatened or coerced through contact with strangers. The restrictions are expected to take effect before the end of 2027, extending planned online protections beyond social media.

The Government is expected to announce affected marketplaces, including Depop and Facebook Marketplace, in the spring; details of the social media restrictions are due later this year. Ofcom research found that 19 per cent of children aged eight to 14 use eBay monthly and 15 per cent use Vinted. Ministers are considering age checks for services with messaging, while separate plans would restrict overnight social media access and addictive features for 16- and 17-year-olds.