Pinterest CEO urges global ban on social media for under-16 users

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called for a global ban on social media for children under 16. He made the statement in a LinkedIn post on Friday. The announcement comes amid a high-profile trial in Los Angeles about youth mental health and social media use.

Context of the legal trial

The trial involves Google and Meta. Both companies face claims that their platforms contribute to mental health issues among teens. The jury is currently deliberating a verdict. Ready emphasized the need for clear rules banning social media for minors under 16. He also called for enforcement and accountability for mobile operating systems and the apps that run on them.

Policy model and Pinterest’s approach

Ready cited Australia’s ban on social media for youth under 16 as a model. In the U.S., Pinterest requires users to be at least 13 years old to sign up. The company has targeted Generation Z, broadly defined as people born between 1997 and 2012. About a third of Pinterest users are ages 17 to 25, according to research firm Apptopia.

Industry implications and regulatory pressure

Ready’s stance differs from other major tech leaders. Technology companies face growing pressure from regulators, courts, and lawmakers. There is increasing demand for platforms to protect children and teens from mental health risks linked to social media.

Potential impacts and future outlook

A global ban could change how young people access digital platforms. It may push tech companies to add age restrictions and parental control features. Enforcement could become stricter. The debate highlights ongoing concerns about social media’s effect on youth mental health and the responsibilities of technology firms.