Pinterest CEO calls for social media ban for children under 16 as global crackdown gains momentum

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on governments around the world to ban social media access for users under the age of 16, marking one of the strongest endorsements by a major tech executive for implementing age-based restrictions.

In a recent opinion article, Ready argued that children are “living through the greatest social experiment in history,” with most exposure to digital platforms that are unregulated and not designed with teen safety in mind.

Citing growing research on the psychological impact of social media, Ready pointed to increasing levels of anxiety, depression and decreased attention spans among young users.

He criticized the tech industry for failing to anticipate the long-term consequences of widespread social media use, and warned that companies had shown a “lack of forethought” in protecting vulnerable users.

His remarks come as governments in various regions accelerate efforts to implement tighter controls. Australia has emerged as the most vocal country in implementing a ban on social media access for minors, while France has approved restrictions for users under 15. Countries including Malaysia, Spain, Indonesia and Germany have also implemented similar policies, signaling a global shift towards regulation.

Ready draws parallels between current and past public health problems involving tobacco and alcohol, arguing that regulatory interventions can “improve, and sometimes save lives.”

He also pointed to Pinterest’s own experience, and noted that the platform has maintained strong engagement among Gen Z users despite limiting access to certain social features to those under 16.

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