Pinterest Hit with Privacy Complaint for Unlawfully Tracking Users

Users allege Pinterest illegally collects and tracks their data

Pinterest is facing a privacy complaint alleging the company unlawfully collects and tracks users' data. The complaint, filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), alleges that Pinterest violates the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by collecting and tracking users' viewing history on third-party websites without their consent.

The VPPA prohibits video service providers from disclosing or using personally identifiable information (PII) about a consumer's video viewing history without the consumer's consent. EPIC alleges that Pinterest collects PII about users' viewing history on third-party websites through its "Pin It" button, which allows users to save images and videos from third-party websites to their Pinterest boards.

EPIC also alleges that Pinterest uses the collected data to target users with personalized advertising. The complaint alleges that Pinterest's tracking practices are unfair and deceptive because users are not adequately informed about the collection and use of their data.

Pinterest denies the allegations

Pinterest has denied the allegations in the complaint. In a statement, the company said that it "complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including the VPPA." Pinterest also said that it "takes user privacy very seriously and is committed to protecting the privacy of our users."

The complaint against Pinterest is the latest in a series of privacy complaints against tech companies. In recent years, companies such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon have been accused of unlawfully collecting and tracking users' data.

The increasing number of privacy complaints against tech companies reflects growing concerns about the privacy risks associated with the use of online services. Users are becoming increasingly aware of the ways in which their data is being collected and used, and they are demanding greater transparency and control over their data.

Conclusion

The outcome of the complaint against Pinterest could have a significant impact on the way that tech companies collect and track users' data. If the allegations in the complaint are upheld, Pinterest could be forced to change its data collection practices. The complaint could also lead to increased scrutiny of other tech companies' data collection practices.

As the use of online services continues to grow, it is more important than ever for users to be aware of the privacy risks associated with these services. Users should take steps to protect their privacy by understanding how their data is being collected and used, and by making informed choices about the services they use.