Foto Sergey Nivens
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy intends to extend restrictions on minors’ internet use, reports The Times. Whilst the first phase of the ban will affect Facebook, Instagram and X, the next phase could see online marketplaces, as well as gaming services that allow adult strangers to communicate with children, fall under the restrictions.
Data from the UK regulator Ofcom confirms the popularity of such platforms among minors. Around 19 per cent of children aged between 8 and 14 visit eBay every month, whilst 15 per cent use Vinted. However, this is not just about buying and selling items. Private messaging features enable direct contact between children and adult strangers.
The charity The Children’s Society has reported to Parliament on cases where minors are asked to send intimate photographs in exchange for money or gifts. According to the organisation, predators specifically seek out potential victims on specialised platforms. In particular, financially vulnerable teenagers are targeted on second-hand clothing platforms, including Vinted.
The government believes that child protection measures should extend to all online services where adults can contact minors directly. “If platforms have a messaging function that allows users to communicate with strangers, serious consideration must be given to introducing effective age restrictions,” said a source familiar with the discussions on the initiative.
The ban is set to come into force in 2027
The new restrictions are expected to be introduced via secondary legislation and to come into force by the end of 2027. However, it remains to be seen how effective the ban will be. Despite existing age restrictions, teenagers are already circumventing them by using their parents’ accounts or other people’s login details.
The debate over controlling children’s access to the internet has intensified following Australia’s decision to ban the use of social media by those under 16. The UK initiative effectively expands on this model: not only social media platforms but also popular e-commerce sites could come under state control.
Representatives from eBay and Vinted have not yet commented on the potential restrictions.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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