Is Pinterest Safe? Security Review
3/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Pinterest is one of the less risky social media platforms for privacy. It collects data for ad targeting but is not as aggressive as Meta or TikTok. It is generally safe for casual use.
Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform used by over 450 million monthly active users. It is less invasive than many social platforms but still relies on advertising and data collection for revenue.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 3/5 | |
| Privacy | 3/5 | |
| Track Record | 3/5 |
Security Features
- Two-factor authentication
- Login notifications
- Secret boards (private pins)
- Content safety reporting
- HTTPS encryption throughout
Privacy Concerns
- Tracks browsing behavior via Pinterest Tag on partner websites
- Collects interest and search data for ad targeting
- Pins and boards are public by default
- Data shared with advertising partners
Past Security Incidents
- No major data breaches disclosed as of 2025
- 2019 class-action settlement over tracking users without adequate consent in EU
How to Stay Safe Using Pinterest
- Use Secret Boards for private content
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Limit ad personalization in privacy settings
- Review connected third-party apps
Safer Alternatives
- Are.na (privacy-focused visual bookmarking)
- Savee (design-focused alternative)
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Last updated: February 10, 2026