Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on governments worldwide to ban social media access for users under the age of 16, marking one of the strongest endorsements yet from a major tech executive for sweeping age-based restrictions.
Writing in a recent op-ed, Ready argued that children are “living through the largest social experiment in history,” with largely unregulated exposure to digital platforms that were not designed with youth safety in mind.
Citing growing research on the psychological effects of social media, Ready pointed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and declining attention spans among young users.
He criticised the tech industry for failing to anticipate the long-term consequences of widespread social media adoption, warning that companies have shown “insufficient forethought” in protecting vulnerable users.
His remarks come as governments across multiple regions accelerate efforts to impose stricter controls. Australia has emerged as a leading voice, 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 are also advancing similar policies, signalling a broader global shift toward regulation.
Ready drew parallels between the current moment and past public health battles involving tobacco and alcohol, arguing that regulatory intervention can “improve, and sometimes save lives.”
