Under-16s will be banned from Vinted and eBay in grooming crackdown

| Freelance News Reporter Published November 8, 2026 12:16pm Updated November 8, 2026 12:44pm A social media ban for under-16s will be expanded next year to cover online marketplaces such as eBay (Picture: Getty Images) Under-16s will be banned from using online marketplaces such as eBay and Vinted amid concerns the platforms could be used to groom children. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated she will expand Keir Starmer’s social media ban to cover online marketplaces in response to reports that their messaging functions are being used by strangers to ask children for indecent photos. eBay, Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace are all set to be included in an extension of the restrictions. Research for Ofcom suggested that as many as 19% of children aged between eight and 14 use eBay at least once a month, with 15% using Vinted monthly. While the sites are used by most to buy cut-price and second-hand items, charities have warned that they are also being used by some to ask children for indecent images in exchange for either money or gifts. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. The Children’s Society said in evidence submitted to Parliament that different websites used by groomers depended on the demographic they are targeting. Vinted is predominantly used to sell second-hand clothes (Picture: SOPA Images) For example, those from disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to be targeted on Vinted. A government source said there was an ‘increasing body of evidence’ that under-16s were being targeted on these platforms and being put at risk. Restrictions could also be placed on online gaming platforms, which also have messaging functions which allow strangers to speak to children. While some marketplaces insist their platforms are not open to under 18s, Ofcom data indicated these rules were being circumvented. The under-16s ban on online marketplaces is likely to come into force via secondary legislation by the end of 2027. A spokesperson for eBay 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.’ Metro has contacted Depop, Facebook parent company Meta, and Vinted for comment. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Labour under fire for ‘tone deaf’ Remembrance Sunday comments on EU student scheme Arrow MORE: Scalpers are trying to sell Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake bonuses for over £700 Arrow MORE: ‘Icon’ dies at 97th birthday ‘rager’ after dancing to Stayin’ Alive News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.