Pinterest CEO Urges Global Ban on Social Media for Under-16s
In a significant break from Silicon Valley's typical stance, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has publicly called on world leaders to implement a global ban on social media for users under the age of 16. In a post on LinkedIn, Ready argued that the current design of most platforms prioritizes user engagement over wellbeing, contributing to a generation 'overwhelmed by anxiety and depression' and exposing young users to risks like addiction and a lack of adequate safeguards. He pointed to Australia's recent move to ban social media for under-16s as a potential model for other nations, urging for 'clearer rules, better tools for parents, and stronger accountability for platforms.' Ready's position is notable not only for its directness but also because it appears to contradict his own company's policy, which allows users as young as 13 to create accounts, as noted by several reports. However, he highlighted that Pinterest has already taken steps to mitigate risks for its younger users, making accounts for those under 16 completely private by default, with no discoverability, messaging, likes, or comments from strangers. This internal action underscores the tension between corporate policy and a CEO's personal advocacy for stricter regulation. The call for a ban places Ready among a very small group of senior tech executives advocating for such restrictive measures, as governments worldwide begin to grapple with the societal impact of social media on youth. While his essay frames the issue as a necessary public health intervention, it also implicitly criticizes the broader industry for failing to build age-appropriate, safe digital environments. The push comes as Gen Z represents over 50% of Pinterest's user base, highlighting the platform's significant stake in the debate over young people's online experiences.
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Pinterest CEO calls for ban on social media for youth under 16 | Pinterest | The Guardian
Bill Ready pointed to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s as a model, though it does not apply to his company ... Pinterest’s CEO called on world leaders to ban social media for youth under 16 in a LinkedIn post on Friday.
Pinterest CEO Says Teens Under 16 Shouldn't Be Using Social Media | Republic World
Bill Ready's statement contradicts Pinterest's usage policy for users under 16. | Image: Reuters · Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called for a global ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, taking a position that sharply diverges from most Big Tech leaders.
Pinterest has removed social features for teens, as Ready shared in the article, making every account run by a user under 16 completely private with no discoverability, messaging, likes, or comments from strangers. Still, Gen Z makes up over 50% of Pinterest users, according to the CEO.
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready wants countries to ban social media for under-16s, says ‘if tech companies don’t change, then…’ - The Times of India
We need clearer rules, better tools for parents, and stronger accountability for platforms and social media apps,” the CEO said. ... The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The ...
Pinterest CEO breaks with tech leaders with surprising stance on teen social media ban | The Independent
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice · Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on world leaders to ban social media for youth under 16.
Pinterest CEO calls for ban on social media for children under 16; urges governments to...- Moneycontrol.com
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has urged governments to ban social media for users under 16, citing risks like addiction, anxiety, and lack of safeguards, calling current platforms unsafe for young users.
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on governments to ban social networks for users under 16. He is now one of the few senior executives to call for such a restriction as nations around the world begin to implement or consider...
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