France Probes Vinted For Allegedly Linking Ads To Adult Sites

Vinted's Unexpected Predicament

In a surprising turn of events, Vinted, the popular second-hand clothing platform, is under investigation in France. Reports suggest that some users have been exploiting the platform by embedding links in their clothing ads, leading unsuspecting users to adult sites, including OnlyFans. This practice has raised alarms among French officials, particularly those concerned with the protection of minors online.

Calls for Child Safety Measures

Sarah El Hairy, who is at the helm of protecting minors in France, has been vocal about the need for stringent controls. She emphasized the importance of an age verification system, stating, “Where there are children and adolescents, there are predators.” Such measures are already in place for adult content platforms across Europe, and the same is expected from Vinted.

“Vinted makes money from its ads, so they have a direct responsibility,” Sarah El Hairy remarked in an interview, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

It's not just Vinted's reputation at stake, but the safety of its extensive user base. With over 23 million users in France, the potential for harm is significant if steps aren't taken swiftly.

Vinted's Firm Denial and Action

Amid these allegations, Vinted has reiterated its commitment to user safety. The company has stated unequivocally that it operates under a “zero tolerance” policy for any content of a sexual nature. Their automatic detection systems are in place to identify inappropriate behavior, and they urge users to report any offensive content immediately.

The case has garnered significant attention, with many watching to see how Vinted will address these serious allegations. The outcome will likely impact not just their business model, but also the trust of their vast user community.