Observed Signal · Mar 10, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Pinterest trains AI on user content
Pinterest plans to use all publicly available user content, including pins uploaded since the platform's 2010 launch, to train its generative AI model Pinterest Canvas. Training is set to begin on April 30, 2025 and will cover both new content and all existing pins. The privacy policy update operates on an opt-out basis: users must actively oppose the use of their content for AI training. The company notes that EU data protection rules may not apply or be effective, given stricter safeguards. Pinterest says the training will improve services, citing prior AI-enabled features and Canvas’s mid-2024 launch as a text-to-image model trained on existing pins and curated data. The move has drawn criticism over transparency and user control, and is framed within a broader industry trend of platforms leveraging user content for AI training, alongside mentions of Meta, Google, and Reddit.
Policy update on training data usage for AI and EU privacy considerations; industry-wide privacy implications.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Pinterest will use all publicly available user content (including pins since 2010) to train Pinterest Canvas.
- Training starts on April 30, 2025.
- The privacy policy update uses an opt-out model: users must actively opt out to prevent training.
- EU applicability may be limited due to stricter privacy rules.
- Pinterest Canvas was launched in mid-2024 as a text-to-image model trained on Pinterest images and curated data.
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Pinterest Lets Users Control Gen AI Content in Home Feed
Pinterest has introduced new controls for Gen AI content in the Home Feed, allowing users to tailor the amount and type of AI-generated content they see. A new Gen AI Content Tuner in Settings under 'Recommendations refine' lets users adjust preferences by category (e.g., sports, beauty) and opt for fewer Gen AI images in each category. Users can also fine-tune individual Pins via the three-dot menu to request more or less of those AI-generated contents, with changes adjustable anytime. The tuner aims to increase transparency and complements the Gen AI label shown on image Pins, which marks content as AI-generated or modified and will be made more prominent in coming weeks. Pinterest notes it uses public content for AI training of Canvas unless users opt out. Matt Madrigal, CTO, and Ben Wood, Senior Director, Agencies, discuss the strategy, including investments in Gen AI-enabled ad solutions. Pinterest emphasizes a balance between inspiration, shopping, and AI-driven features.
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