Under 16s could be banned from online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay amid concerns that strangers are contacting children through the sites' messaging functions. Lisa Nandy, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, confirmed she is "seriously" looking at doing more to prevent youngsters accessing these platforms.
Government considering expanding social media ban
Asked if she is going to ban under 16s from Vinted and eBay, the Cabinet minister told BBC show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: "We are looking seriously at doing so in order to keep children safe."
The minimum age for opening an account on Vinted and eBay is already 18, but government sources said they are considering imposing highly effective age requirements on platforms that have a messaging function allowing users to speak to strangers.
A social media ban for under 16s is due to come into force next spring, with details to be published before Christmas. Ms Nandy is looking at expanding the ban to include online marketplaces where people sell second-hand items, such as eBay, Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace. Online gaming platforms could also be targeted.
Child safety concerns raised by charities
The Children's Society has warned that some young users are being "asked for indecent photos in exchange for money" or gifts on online marketplaces, while the NSPCC said children are at risk of being "groomed and exploited" on the platforms.
In September Ms Nandy said a social media ban would be drawn up using a "safety by feature-led approach". This would differ from Australia, which implemented a world-first social media ban for under 16s last year by drawing up a list of banned social media companies.
Instead, the Digital Secretary is looking at banning harmful features, such as addictive functions like infinite scrolling, the ability to send nude images, or being able to interact with strangers, including through video games. Apps with these features would be banned, though sites could earn an exemption if they improve their safety features.
NSPCC and eBay respond
Rani Govender, Head of Child Safety Online at the NSPCC, told The Mirror: "The Government's approach to keeping children safe online must look beyond a handful of popular platforms and tackle the many ways children are groomed and exploited, including on apps designed for buying and selling goods.
"Lisa Nandy is right to consider a wider range of platforms. Vinted and eBay already have a minimum age of 18, so the real question is how the Government and Ofcom will ensure highly effective age checks are implemented and enforced to stop children accessing them in the first place.
"But effective age checks are only part of the solution. Tech companies must also be required to build child safety into every platform, device and AI tool, so children are protected from harmful and illegal content and only able to access age-appropriate services."
An eBay spokesperson said: "At eBay we are focused on providing a trusted and safe marketplace experience for our millions of customers. While the details of the proposed legislation are not yet clear, we look forward to understanding more and continuing to work constructively with the Government."
Vinted was contacted for comment.
