The UK government is reportedly considering extending its forthcoming social media ban for under-16s to include online marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay, the culture secretary has confirmed. Responding to reports that the platforms could be added to the list of restricted services set to take effect next March, the minister said ministers were "looking seriously" at the proposal. The measure forms part of wider efforts to regulate children's online activity, though officials have not yet confirmed which sites will ultimately fall within scope. The department declined to specify a timetable for a final decision.
The potential inclusion of second-hand marketplaces has raised questions about the practical boundaries of the legislation, given their primary function as trading platforms rather than social networks. Industry figures have warned that broad restrictions could affect young people who use such sites to buy and sell clothing and household goods, while child safety advocates argue that marketplace chat features carry similar risks to conventional social media. The government is expected to publish the final list of covered platforms before the rules come into force next spring. Further details on enforcement and exemptions are anticipated in the coming months.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.