Pinterest's CEO, Bill Ready, advocates for a global ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, citing safety concerns. In an article for Time, he emphasizes the need for strict enforcement of such regulations and accountability for mobile platforms and applications. This position is significant given that a large portion of Pinterest's users are from Generation Z.
While endorsing the ban, Ready clarified that Pinterest already restricts messaging and social features for users under 16, making their accounts private by default. A Pinterest spokesperson reiterated that the company does not plan to alter its current policies, asserting that Pinterest is a "visual search platform" rather than a social media site. The platform prohibits users younger than 13 from creating accounts.
In 2023, Pinterest faced scrutiny when its algorithms reportedly directed inappropriate content towards adults involving young girls. Following a report by NBC News, the company responded by enhancing privacy settings for accounts belonging to teenagers under 16. Ready claims that prioritizing user safety ultimately fosters trust and benefits the platform's business.