Pinterest declares new security measures, parental controls after bombshell investigation

Pinterest, the favored image-sharing social media web site finest generally known as a spot to swap recipes and show adorning concepts, introduced new security measures this week in an effort to guard its underage customers from on-line predators.

The push for extra security on the platform comes after a bombshell investigation by NBC News final month detailed how some Pinterest accounts used the platform to curate shows generally known as imageboards depicting younger ladies. The accounts can be stuffed with sexualized pictures and movies of younger ladies dancing, doing gymnastics or sporting bathing fits.

The investigation was a blow to a web site with a typically benign and uncontroversial area of interest within the social media sphere. It additionally caught the eye of no less than two lawmakers on Capitol Hill who say Congress ought to handle the scenario.

According to the announcement by the San Francisco-based firm, Pinterest customers below the age of 16 will now have their accounts listed as non-public by default. This implies that accounts held by minors gained’t be discoverable by others.

Other customers gained’t be capable of talk with minors simply below the brand new guidelines.

“We know this isn’t ideal for younger people who use Pinterest to collaborate with their friends and family, but we don’t want anyone contacting them without their permission.” the corporate mentioned in its assertion.

Pinterest officers mentioned that they plan in time to reintroduce the flexibility for youthful account holders to speak and share content material with folks that they know, however gave no timeline.

Pinterest will even be introducing new restrictions on the sort of content material that teenagers can see. The firm introduced that magnificence filters and weight reduction promoting are banned on the positioning, amid rising criticism of the hurt that in depth social media publicity and the tradition of shaming on-line can do for the vanity and psychological well being of youthful customers specifically.

“Beauty filters and changing appearance every time people post online can change the way they think about themselves,” the corporate wrote. “We’ve taken a stand and don’t have those kinds of filters on Pinterest. For example, our Virtual Try on tool is a compelling way to play with eye makeup and lipstick colors, but it won’t alter the user’s face because [the faces] look great just the way they are.”

The new guidelines give extra energy to folks as effectively. Parents will be capable of create a passcode that they should enter earlier than their kids are allowed to vary sure issues about their profile, together with their age.

The adjustments could not defend the corporate from new consideration in Washington. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Republican, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat, wrote to the corporate days after the NBC investigation was revealed demanding extra motion.

The senators, who’ve co-sponsored a invoice on on-line security for kids, wrote to Pinterest CEO Bill Ready on March 14 that the costs have been “particularly disappointing given that Pinterest has branded itself the ‘last positive corner of the internet.’”

“Pinterest often holds out its content reporting mechanisms and age assurance practices to prevent underage users from using the platform, including in meetings with Congressional staff,” the lawmakers wrote. “The company has also emphasized its commitment to youth mental health and privacy and making that a top priority for the company, a laudable goal given the impacts of other social media platforms on mental health.”

“Unfortunately, according to the issues found in the report, Pinterest has fallen short of these aspirations.”

According to a research by parental management software program maker Qustodio, Pinterest was the third hottest social media app utilized by kids within the U.S., surpassed solely by TikTok and Snapchat.