Children under 16 could be barred from using the resale websites Vinted and eBay, after the government confirmed it is seriously considering extending its planned social media ban to online marketplaces. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said ministers were looking closely at the idea in order to keep children safe online.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Nandy said the government was examining whether the two popular marketplaces should join the list of platforms that under-16s will be barred from when the restrictions come into force in March 2027. The ban was announced in June this year and was originally aimed at social media, covering ten of the biggest platforms including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

The concern is the messaging built into the marketplaces. The Times reports that the Children's Society has warned some young users have been asked for indecent photos in exchange for money or gifts. Research for Ofcom found 19 per cent of children aged eight to 14 use eBay at least once a month, and 15 per cent use Vinted.

Both sites already state that users must be at least 18, but that rule is being got around, in some cases through parents' accounts. Other marketplaces, including Depop and Facebook Marketplace, are also expected to be covered, and online gaming sites that let adult strangers message children could follow in a second wave of action.

Nothing is decided yet. The full list of platforms has not been published, and the legislation and enforcement details are still being worked out. eBay said it looked forward to understanding more and working constructively with the government; Vinted did not respond to the BBC. The Times reports a marketplace ban would probably need secondary legislation and come into force before the end of 2027.