Pinterest CEO calls for social media ban on people under 16

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready for users under 16 social media ban He called for this rule to be implemented on a global scale. Ready argues that current social media platforms are not safe for young users. This proposal brings the debates about parental control and platform responsibility back to the agenda.

Ready, Time In his article published in the magazine, he defined a clear standard as “No social media under the age of 16”. This approach covers not only platforms, but also mobile operating systems and app stores. According to him, auditing should not be limited to applications only, the entire digital distribution chain should take responsibility.

Although more than half of Pinterest’s user base consists of Generation Z, Ready argues that this ban does not cover its platform. The company considers itself a visual discovery platform and sees it outside the classical definition of social media.

Pinterest maintains existing restrictions for younger users

Pinterest keeps messaging and some social features off for users under 16. Young user accounts are private by default and cannot be discovered within the platform. The company also does not allow users under the age of 13 to register. A Pinterest spokesperson confirmed that current policies will not change.

However, the platform has received criticism in the past regarding child safety. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that the recommendation algorithm directed some users to content of underage girls. This content was collected on special boards by certain users. Approximately six months after this development, the company more tightly concealed young user profiles and limited access.

Ready states that such measures do not alienate young users from the platform, on the contrary, they increase trust. The company’s data shows a direct relationship between security measures and user loyalty.

trending in Australia Social media ban for under 16scontinues to be discussed on a global scale. Pinterest CEO’s open support provides an important example of how tech companies will approach such regulations.