London, November 20, 2025
French authorities have prompted Vinted, the online marketplace, to block sexually explicit advertisements disguised as regular product listings after investigations highlighted risks linked to underage users and compliance with new French laws.
Investigation and Regulatory Context
French regulator Arcom acted following concerns raised by the High Commissioner for Children regarding ads on Vinted that covertly redirected users to pornographic content and OnlyFans profiles. These ads often appeared as standard product listings such as bikinis or lingerie but lacked adequate age-verification controls. The investigation took place in the wake of the stringent 2024 French legislation imposing strict age verification requirements on platforms hosting or indirectly linking to adult content.
Vinted’s Policies and Enforcement Measures
Vinted, which boasts over 23 million members in France, reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance on unsolicited sexual content. The company employs proactive detection tools designed to identify and remove illegal or inappropriate advertisements swiftly. Sanctions for violations include the permanent expulsion of users found posting prohibited material. Vinted emphasized that it does not host adult content directly but acknowledges that its platform was exploited as an indirect access point to explicit materials.
Importance Due to User Demographics and Legal Changes
The issue has taken on added significance because of Vinted’s large young user base, raising concerns about exposure to inappropriate material without sufficient safeguards. The recent French legislation mandating robust age-verification measures for pornographic content platforms sharpened regulatory scrutiny. This has motivated Vinted and authorities alike to prioritize enhanced content controls to prevent underage access and ensure legal compliance.
Broader Implications for Digital Marketplaces
This case underscores the wider challenges facing digital marketplaces that are popular with minors but have occasionally been leveraged to circulate sexually explicit material. Regulatory authorities are increasingly focused on removing loopholes that allow such content to bypass controls on age verification and content monitoring. The balance between platform responsibility, user protection, and effective enforcement remains a critical and evolving area of digital regulation across jurisdictions.
The developments highlight ongoing efforts by platforms and regulators to adapt to legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding vulnerable users, reflecting broader trends toward stricter oversight of digital content and marketplace safety.