Effective July 1st, Pinterest began banning all weight-loss content.
Pinterest is the first major social media outlet to ban all ads related to weight loss language and images, including any testimonials regarding weight loss or weight loss products; any language or imagery that idealizes or denigrates certain body types; references to Body Mass Index (BMI) or similar indexes; and any products that claim weight loss through something worn or applied to the skin. Previously, the outlet banned ads containing weight loss or appetite-suppressant pills, supplements, or other products; before-and-after weight-loss imagery; weight loss procedures like liposuction or fat burning; body shaming, such as imagery or language that mocks or discredits certain body types or appearances; and claims regarding unrealistic cosmetic results.
The ban follows Pinterest’s new Creator Code. Essentially, the code asks Creators – those with a business account that publishes new content on Pinterest (as opposed Pinners – those saving existing content to boards) – to pledge to “be kind (ensure content doesn’t insult or put others down), check their facts (make sure information is accurate and factual), be aware of triggers (practice discretion when it comes to visually sensitive content), practice inclusion (never intentionally exclude certain groups or communities), and do no harm (make sure any call to action or challenge is safe).”
Additionally, tools are now available for both Pinners AND Creators. “Positivity reminders” now encourage Pinners to adhere to platform guidelines and reconsider potentially offensive comments before posting. Moderation tools for Creators now exist, including comment removal and keyword filtering. And new spam-prevention signals detect and remove bad comments. Pinterest has also partnered with the National Eating Disorders Association so that whenever a Pinner searches for keywords on the platform related to eating disorders, Pinterest blocks the search and directs them to the NEDA website to find additional resources.
It will certainly be interesting to watch how this rollout proceeds and succeeds. It will also be interesting to see whether/how other social media platforms follow suit.
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