Under-16s to be banned from Vinted and eBay over fears they could be groomed in online marketplaces

Under-16s will be banned from Vinted and eBay amid fears children are being groomed in exchange for money and gifts.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to release a full list of platforms affected by the new rules, which are set to come into force before the end of 2027.It follows a warning from a leading children's charity that users of online sales sites are being 'threatened' and 'coerced'.According to research for the communications watchdog, Ofcom, some 19 per cent of children aged eight to 14 use eBay each month while 15 per cent use Vinted.Details of social media platforms banned from having under-16 users will be published later this year, affecting tech giants including Facebook, Instagram and X.However, online marketplaces affected by a new ban, including eBay, Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace, will also be announced in the spring.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. That means if platforms have a messaging function that allows people to speak to strangers, we need to seriously consider them needing highly effective age requirements.' Culture secretary Lisa Nandy (pictured/file image) is expected to release a full list of platforms affected by the new rules, expected to come into force before the end of 2027The under-16s ban for online marketplaces is likely to be implemented via secondary legislation.In written evidence submitted to parliament, the Children's Society said: 'Various websites are used to groom children, targeted for the specific cohort of children they might cater to. 'For example, migrant children are targeted over sites directed to those speaking foreign languages, while children in need of money are targeted on such sites as… Vinted.'Ministers previously unveiled plans in June to ban under-16s from social media, with robust age checks seen as crucial to enforcing the restrictions.The government is expected to publish detailed regulations setting out how the ban will operate before the end of this year.After this, Ofcom will consult on guidance for technology companies and begin monitoring compliance when the restrictions take effect in 2027.The age-check proposals form part of a wider government crackdown on children's use of social media.Earlier this year, ministers revealed that while under-16s will be barred from platforms entirely, 16 and 17-year-olds will face overnight restrictions.From midnight to 6am every night, their access to popular social media will be switched off.Features that are designed to keep teens scrolling for longer will also be switched off by default for older teenagers.This includes videos that automatically play one after another and feeds that continually serve up personalised content.'Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing,' technology secretary Liz Kendall said.'These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.'We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive.'Vinted is now the third largest fashion retailer in the UK with 17million British users, coming in behind only Primark and Next and outperforming fashion brands such as ASOS and H&M.Some users have reported making thousands of pounds on the digital marketplace, selling pre-loved clothes and sourcing items specifically to list on the app for a profit.On eBay users have reported generating similar revenue, with the company reporting 132million annual active buyers worldwide in 2023.Vinted and eBay have been contacted for comment.