Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on governments worldwide to implement a ban on social media platforms for users under 16 years old, making a rare public statement from a tech industry leader advocating for stricter age restrictions on their own sector.

Ready compared social media to tobacco and alcohol in his remarks, arguing that children need similar protections from potentially harmful digital platforms. The comparison suggests he views social media as having addictive or harmful qualities that warrant government intervention to protect minors.

The Pinterest chief's position is notable given that most social media companies, including his own platform, currently allow users as young as 13 to create accounts under existing regulations. Pinterest, known primarily for its visual discovery and idea-sharing features, has generally maintained a more family-friendly reputation compared to other major social platforms.

Ready's call comes amid growing scrutiny of social media's impact on young users' mental health and well-being. Various countries and jurisdictions have been exploring or implementing stricter age verification and protection measures for minors on digital platforms.

The statement represents an unusual stance for a social media company executive, as most industry leaders have typically resisted calls for more restrictive age-based regulations, arguing instead for parental controls and digital literacy education.