In its latest policy change, Pinterest has taken a powerful stance by banning weight loss ads, imagery or language. It was already against any promotion of dangerous weight loss products or claims, and as such, its latest decision has received a lot of appreciation and expressions of relief from users.
The image sharing and media service platform, in its post said Pinterest is committed to building a safe and inspiring space for all its users. “That means looking at ways we can evolve our policies for the better. We want to champion content that celebrates body neutrality and acceptance, so you can focus on finding inspiration to create a life you love.”
The National Eating Disorders Association, a non-profit organization, helped the company latest develop the latest policy change. The association highlighted that it has seen an increase in calls into its helpline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elizabeth Thompson, Interim CEO for the National Eating Disorders Association, said they applaud the Pinterest for taking a leadership position as the first platform to prohibit all ads with weight-loss language and imagery. “NEDA is encouraged by this necessary step in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of Pinners, especially those impacted by diet culture, body shaming and eating disorders,” she said. “We are hopeful this global policy will encourage other organizations and companies to reflect on potentially harmful ad messages and to establish their own working policies that will create meaningful change.”
Pinterest said it had found searches related to body neutrality emerge as a search trend as many Pinners look to discover self-acceptance. The company, in a blog post, said they are empowering Pinners to plan for a summer and beyond without weight loss ads, so they can focus on what matters most. “Beginning July 1, 2021, we are updating our ad policies to prohibit all ads with weight loss language and imagery.”
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Moreover, the platform encouraged others in the industry to do the same and acknowledge, once and for all, that there’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all”. “Our updated policy will now prohibit any weight loss language or imagery; any testimonials regarding weight loss or weight loss products; any language or imagery that idealizes or denigrates certain body types; referencing Body Mass Index (BMI) or similar indexes; and any products that claim weight loss through something worn or applied to the skin.
Pinterest had already barred ad content highlight 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.
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