Pinterest’s Privacy Problem – Harvesting Your Data For Ads & AI

Pinterest (like most major platforms) is no stranger to aggressively harvesting user data, and leveraging it into profits as much as possible. They’ve been at the receiving end of a noyb complaint for violating GDPR and not respecting user consent requirements. Not to mention;

• They agreed to pay $22.5m to settle gender discrimination lawsuit in 2020
• They agreed to spend a further $50m on reforms to resolve alleged discrimination
• They settled another lawsuit from alleged ‘Co-Creator’ for $34.7m
• Pinterest were also swept up in X Corp’s lawsuit, alleging a coordinated advertiser boycott

X’s lawfare aside – what do Pinterest’s Noyb complaint, and DEI settlements have in common? They all suggest the company prioritizes its own bottom line over the rights and well-being of its users, and employees. This pattern has continued with a significant uptick of user complaints about incorrectly flagged or suspended accounts. Naturally, Pinterest is more concerned in building and marketing the “evolving ad tools” that landed them in the hotseat with GDPR.

Lets dig into how Pinterest’s operations directly impact its user’s privacy – and what you can do to

How Is Pinterest Using Your Data?

Most people enjoy tailored recommendations and content – but often, are unaware of the cost; their data & privacy. Pinterest actively engages in the below – all of which can be verified by reading their long privacy policy.

• Data Sharing: Pinterest’s policy says they may sell users’ data to third parties, display targeted advertisements, and may track and profile users on the service and across the internet for commercial purposes. Collected information is shared with third parties for analytics, research, product improvement, and third-party marketing.
• Data Visibility Personal information can be displayed publicly, but users can control how their data are displayed to others, however profiles are public.
• AI and Personalization Pinterest uses AI to curate and recommend content, making suggestions relevant and personalized. User-generated content plays a crucial role in its data-driven personalization strategy.
• AI for Advertisers: Pinterest gives advertisers AI tools to deliver their ads to the ‘right’ people, deliver the ‘right’ content, as well as content moderation – ultimately, all in service of reducing human oversight and capturing more advertiser dollars.

Crucially, as reported by outlets like 80.lv and Transparency Coalition, Pinterest AI usage applies to all content, regardless of when it was posted.

If you’re an active Pinterest user, we would recommending turning all Generative AI settings off, and disabling as many personalized advertising settings as you can.

The Tidal Wave of AI Slop on Pinterest

Beyond data privacy and Pinterest’s own use of AI, the very nature of content on Pinterest has also undergone a significant shift, and not necessarily for the better.

• The “Enshittification” by AI: Users are increasingly reporting that their feeds are being overrun by “AI slop” – low-quality, often nonsensical AI-generated images and content. This deluge, as detailed in an article by ZDNet on AI ruining Pinterest, is making it difficult to find genuine, human-made inspiration, which has long been Pinterest’s main appeal.
• Profiting from Deception: Some of this AI-generated content links back to content-farming websites that are designed to generate ad revenue through clicks, essentially using AI to spam users – in particular, less-savvy, vulnerable users.

Take Back Control with Redact.dev

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. The digital world doesn’t have to be a one-way street where your data and content are endlessly consumed. Redact.dev can help you reclaim your digital sovereignty.

Before we go on – consider doing the below to your Pinterest account. It’s free, and will help protect you against Pinterest’s appetite for your data.

• Turn all Generative AI settings off
• Disabling as many personalized advertising settings as you can.

Once you’ve done that, you should seriously consider purging as much of your Pinterest data as possible. If you need to keep using the platform, regularly clearing out your pins, boards and other data helps reduce Pinterest’s ability to leverage it with their ad products.

• Bulk Delete Your Content: You can use redact.dev to purge old pins and boards in bulk, with ease. This reduces the size of your digital footprint, while also preventing Pinterest from monetizing your data.
• Automate Your Digital Hygiene: With redact.dev, you can also set up automated rules to remove content after a certain period. This ensures your online presence stays current, minimizes your data footprint, and keeps Pinterest’s data harvesting tools at bay.

The evolving landscape of platforms like Pinterest highlights the growing need for users to be vigilant and proactive about their online information. While these platforms offer connection and inspiration, it’s vital to have tools that empower you to manage your own digital legacy.

Don’t let your digital life be dictated by ever-changing terms of service and opaque data practices. Take control, clean up your social media, and protect your privacy with Redact.dev. You can try out our product for free on Facebook, Discord, Reddit and Twitter – when you’re ready, one of our subscriptions will give you the tools to get your Pinterest profile cleaned up.