Pinterest CEO calls on governments to ban social media for users under 16

In Brief Posted: 12:01 PM PDT · March 20, 2026 Image Credits:Patrick T. Fallon/AFP (opens in a new window) / Getty Images Dominic-Madori Davis Pinterest CEO calls on governments to ban social media for users under 16 Pinterest’s CEO, Bill Ready, has called for governments to ban social media for users under 16 in a new Time op-ed. He’s now one of the few top CEOs to call for such a restriction, as nations worldwide begin to implement or consider ways to limit children’s online time, and exactly how to verify ages. Ready wrote that children today were “living through the largest social experiment in history,” as they have been given “unfiltered access to social media platforms.” Research shows the damage this unfiltered access has done, with today’s youth seeing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and lower concentration skills. He said social media platforms gave “insufficient forethought about the consequences” of what they could do to children, and praised Australia’s social media ban for children, saying that “if tech companies fail to prioritize youth safety, other governments should follow Australia’s lead.” He pointed out the restrictions and guidelines industries like tobacco and alcohol have, writing that “such policies can improve, and sometimes save lives.” He also said Pinterest has been successful with Gen Z, even after banning access to the site’s social features to users under age 16. “When we make excuses for not acting in the public’s best interest, tech CEOs sound like 20th-century tobacco executives who had to be shamed and sued into submission,” he wrote. Aside from Australia, Malaysia, Spain, and Indonesia have all announced social media bans. The movement is sparking debate within the tech industry, but lawmakers have shown no sign of bowing to pressure. Legislators in France also just approved a ban for users under 15, while Germany’s ruling party said it supported a form of social media ban, too. States throughout the U.S. are also looking at ways to restrict minors’ access to social media. Techcrunch event Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediatelyOffer ends March 13. San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026 REGISTER NOW Topics government, In Brief, law, Pinterest, Social, social media, Social media ban June 9 Boston, MA Actively scaling? Fundraising? Planning your next launch?TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 delivers tactical playbooks and direct access to 1,000+ founders and investors who are building, backing, and closing. REGISTER NOW Newsletters See More Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech news TechCrunch Daily News Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage. TechCrunch Mobility TechCrunch Mobility is your destination for transportation news and insight.

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