Pinterest CEO Calls for Ban on Social Media for Users Under 16

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2026 (Reuters) – Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on world leaders to ban social media for youth under the age of 16. Ready shared his statement on Friday via a LinkedIn post, coinciding with a trial underway in Los Angeles concerning youth social media use.

Growing Concerns Over Youth Mental Health

The call for a ban comes as Google and Meta are facing allegations that their applications contribute to a youth mental health crisis. A jury is currently deliberating on a verdict in the Los Angeles trial. Ready stated, “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.”

Pinterest’s Position and User Base

Pinterest, an image-sharing platform, currently requires users to be 13 years old to create an account in the U.S., according to the company’s website. Despite this, Pinterest has actively sought to attract Generation Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – with approximately one-third of its user base aged between 17 and 25, as reported by research firm Apptopia.

A Divergent Stance from Tech Leaders

Ready’s advocacy for a ban represents a departure from the positions held by leaders of other major technology companies. These companies are facing increasing pressure from regulators, courts, and lawmakers to address the mental health impacts associated with children and teenagers’ use of their products.

Australia as a Potential Model

Ready highlighted Australia’s existing ban on social media for youth under 16 as a potential model for other nations to follow. A Pinterest spokesperson declined to provide further comment on the CEO’s post.

Bill Ready’s Background

Bill Ready is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pinterest. Prior to this role, he held leadership positions at several prominent technology companies, including President of Commerce & Payments at Google, COO at PayPal, and CEO at Venmo and Braintree. He has been involved in the founding of five startups, including Venmo and Braintree. His LinkedIn profile similarly features articles he has authored, including one discussing the impact of AI on social media.