London, November 20, 2025
French authorities have launched an investigation into Vinted, a leading secondhand fashion marketplace, over allegations that the platform is used to promote sexually explicit content through disguised advertisements, raising concerns about minors’ exposure and regulatory compliance.
French Investigation and Allegations
French regulators are probing Vinted after reports revealed that some listings for bikinis and lingerie contain concealed links directing users to pornographic websites and OnlyFans profiles. These tactics allegedly circumvent content restrictions and expose vulnerable users, including minors, to adult material without proper age verification mechanisms.
The French High Commissioner for Children, Sarah El Haïry, has publicly urged stronger oversight, expressing alarm over the risks posed by such camouflaged advertisements on a platform widely popular among young users.
Vinted’s Response
Vinted maintains a firm “zero tolerance” stance toward unsolicited sexual communications and the promotion of sexual services on its platform. The company reports employing proactive detection technologies aimed at identifying suspicious behavior, such as inappropriate comments and hidden links. Any illegal or inappropriate content is promptly removed, and violators face permanent expulsion from the service.
Despite not hosting adult content directly, Vinted acknowledges the need to improve safeguards against indirect facilitation of inappropriate material.
Regulatory Context in France
French law introduced in 2024 mandates stringent age verification protocols for any site hosting explicit adult content. While Vinted does not directly host such content, its facilitation of indirect access without robust age controls has drawn criticism. With over 23 million registered users in France, including a significant proportion of minors, the platform’s current measures are under intense scrutiny to prevent circumvention of established protections.
Broader Digital Marketplace Challenges
The Vinted case exemplifies a growing challenge faced by online marketplaces globally: striking a balance between preserving user freedom and enforcing effective content moderation. The surge in indirect routes to adult content via mainstream platforms complicates regulatory efforts and calls for enhanced monitoring and transparency.
Regulators may consider imposing stricter rules on platforms that enable camouflaged adult content, potentially redefining compliance obligations for many digital marketplaces beyond traditional adult websites.
French authorities’ investigation into Vinted may set critical precedents for how tech companies address the dissemination of illicit content and protect minors in the digital age. The outcome will likely influence regulatory frameworks and platform policies across Europe, reinforcing the imperative of safeguarding vulnerable users in evolving online ecosystems.