Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on world leaders to ban social media for youth under 16, pointing to Australia’s recent ban as a model. In a LinkedIn post on Friday, Ready wrote: “We need a clear standard: no social media for teens under 16, backed by real enforcement, and accountability for mobile phone operating systems and the apps that run on them.”
Australia’s ban, which took effect recently, prohibits under-16s from using most social media platforms but notably exempts Pinterest, allowing teens to create accounts. This gives Pinterest a regulatory advantage over larger rivals like Instagram when recruiting younger users. Ready’s post did not clarify whether he believes Pinterest’s own platform should be included in such a ban.
Ready’s comments come as a trial in Los Angeles examines allegations that Google and Meta intentionally design their apps to addict young users, contributing to a youth mental health crisis. A jury is currently deliberating on a verdict. Pinterest has positioned itself as a go-to site for Generation Z, with a third of its users aged 17-25, according to research firm Apptopia.
The CEO’s stance contrasts with leaders of other major tech companies, who face growing regulatory and legal pressure over the impact of their products on children and teens. Pinterest has seen a surge in young users recently but has disappointed Wall Street with its quarterly financial results.
