Repeat offenders of the policy may face further action by the platform, including potential removal of their accounts.
“We repeatedly heard from [climate experts] that climate misinformation, like climate denial narratives, is causing real harm,” Pinterest head of policy Sarah Bromma told CNN Business. “That type of harm fits into our existing misinformation framework, which is that we take action on false or misleading action that may harm Pinners’ or the public’s well being, safety or trust.”
Bromma said Pinterest’s plan to remove climate misinformation reflects how the company has “a very particular mission to bring people inspiration.” She added: “Content that’s antagonistic or hateful or violent or false or misleading … there’s really no place on Pinterest for it.”
Pinterest found its users were increasingly searching for content on the platform related to sustainability, and the company wanted to ensure they were finding accurate information in the results, Bromma said.
As with many content moderation issues, the challenge is often not just setting the policies but enforcing them. Bromma said Pinterest’s teams review content flagged both by automated systems and user reports. The company declined to share details on the size of its enforcement teams.
Pinterest also plans to highlight accurate information about climate change through partnerships with creators and experts on the platform.