Pinterest’s AI Training Update: User Data Now Fuels Platform Improvements
Staff Editor Pinterest Updates Privacy Policy to Include AI Training, Sparking User Concerns
Pinterest, the popular image-sharing platform, has recently updated its privacy policy to explicitly include the use of user data and images for artificial intelligence (AI) model training. The new clause, which applies to all content uploaded since the platform’s inception in 2010, aims to improve products and services and offer new features to users.
The company has been actively promoting AI tools and features, including a “search by body type” function and an AI-powered ad suite that has reportedly increased ad spending. Pinterest is also developing its own text-to-image AI model called Pinterest Canvas.
While users can opt out of AI training through their profile settings, the default setting allows Pinterest to use their data. The company has stated that data from minor users will be excluded from AI training.
This move follows similar actions by other tech giants such as Meta, Reddit, and Google, who have also incorporated user data for AI training purposes. However, the specific applications of AI training vary across companies.
In response to scrutiny over the privacy policy update, Pinterest claims that the change merely formalizes existing practices and does not alter how user data is utilized for AI training.
The update comes amid controversy surrounding AI-generated content on the platform. Reports suggest that AI-created images are increasingly dominating search results, raising concerns about the impact on user experience and content creators.
To address these issues, Pinterest is developing tools to label AI-generated content and has introduced a new Help Center section focused on AI technology and content moderation.
User reactions to the privacy policy update have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the default opt-in for AI data use and concerns about transparency and user choice.
As Pinterest continues to explore generative AI technology for innovation and creativity, the company faces ongoing challenges in balancing technological advancements with user privacy and content authenticity. Plans are underway to expand capabilities for identifying AI content, but the debate over the role of AI in social media platforms is likely to persist.
