WeTalkin is end-to-end encrypted messaging with zero data collection. No phone number required. Your conversations stay yours.
Trusted by 10,000+ privacy advocates. Free to start.
Explore the full portfolio of independent AI tools and editorial properties at blossend.com.
A detailed look at how Pinterest collects, stores, and uses your personal data.
End-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection.
Poor
Pinterest's privacy score of 30/100 reflects their data collection practices, transparency, incident history, and user control options. This score indicates significant privacy concerns that users should be aware of.
In 2019, a Pinterest insider leaked documents showing the platform was secretly censoring pro-life, Christian, and conservative content while publicly claiming political neutrality.
Pinterest settled with its former COO Francoise Brougher for $22.5 million in 2020 after she alleged gender discrimination, retaliation, and a toxic culture that prioritized growth over user safety.
In 2023, Pinterest was fined 1.2 million euros by the French CNIL for failing to properly inform users about cookie tracking and not making cookie rejection as easy as acceptance.
A 2020 security report revealed Pinterest tracking pixels were embedded across millions of websites, collecting browsing data from non-Pinterest users without their knowledge or consent.
In 2019, Pinterest faced scrutiny for its recommendation algorithm promoting anti-vaccination content and health misinformation, leading to significant changes in its search and recommendation systems.
To limit Pinterest's data collection, start by going to Settings > Privacy and Data. Disable 'Use sites you visit' which allows Pinterest to track your off-platform browsing through the Pinterest tag and tracking pixels. Turn off 'Partner data' to prevent Pinterest from receiving data about you from advertisers and data brokers. Disable 'Ad personalization' to stop targeted advertising based on your activity. Go to 'Social Permissions' and turn off 'Search privacy' if you want to prevent your profile from appearing in search engines. Under 'Claimed Accounts,' review and disconnect any linked websites or social accounts. Remove any synced contacts under Account Settings. In your profile settings, minimize the personal information you share, including your real name and profile photo. When using Pinterest in a browser, install uBlock Origin to block Pinterest tracking pixels across the web. These pixels are embedded on millions of websites and track your browsing even if you are logged out. In your phone settings, revoke Pinterest's access to your camera, photos, contacts, and location. Use the web version of Pinterest instead of the mobile app when possible. Disable notifications to reduce engagement tracking. Be aware that every image you upload or search using Pinterest's visual search tool is analyzed by AI and added to your profile for ad targeting. Avoid using Pinterest's shopping features as purchase intent data is shared with advertisers. For a privacy-respecting alternative for visual bookmarking and curation, try Are.na, which operates on a paid model rather than advertising and does not track users for profit. If you decide to delete your Pinterest account, first download your data via Settings > Privacy and Data > Request your data, then deactivate and wait the 14-day period before permanent deletion.
Looking for a privacy-respecting alternative to Pinterest? We recommend:
Are.naEnd-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection.
WeTalkin: End-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection. No ads. No data harvesting. Just private conversation.
Subscribe to Privacy Newsletter
App returning to stores soon. Join 10,000+ privacy advocates.
Weekly digest of surveillance news, privacy tools, and protection tips. Free.
Join thousands choosing privacy over surveillance with WeTalkin.
NexusBro helps developers catch bugs and SEO issues before they reach production. Try it free →
Private messaging with end-to-end encryption. No phone number required.
Get Started Free