The policy states that Pinterest discloses user information to law enforcement, government agencies, and researchers when it determines disclosure is reasonably necessary for legal compliance, safety, fraud prevention, or emergency harm prevention, and separately may share publicly accessible user information with independent researchers under certain criteria.
This analysis describes what Pinterest's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
This provision establishes Pinterest's self-determined standard (reasonably necessary) for voluntary disclosure to law enforcement and government agencies, which is distinct from mandatory legal process compliance. The provision also authorizes disclosure to independent researchers, with criteria for that sharing described generally rather than with specific thresholds.
Interpretive note: The operational threshold for what Pinterest determines to be reasonably necessary for voluntary disclosure is not defined in the policy text, creating ambiguity about when disclosures may occur without legal process.
Under this provision, Pinterest may disclose account information, content, and activity data to law enforcement, government agencies, and researchers based on Pinterest's own determination that disclosure is reasonably necessary. Users can review Pinterest's Law Enforcement Guidelines, referenced in the policy, for additional detail on how these requests are handled.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Law Enforcement and Third-Party Information Disclosure and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"With law enforcement agencies, government agencies, researchers, or other parties in compliance with laws, rules, or regulations. For example, we may get requests for account information from law enforcement authorities like the police or courts. We only disclose information in response to such requests if we believe that disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with a law, regulation or legal request; to protect the safety, rights, or property of the public, any person, or Pinterest; or to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues. We may also share information if we believe it is necessary to prevent imminent and serious bodily harm to a person in emergency situations.Excerpt from Pinterest's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and the Stored Communications Act in the U.S., which govern law enforcement access to electronic communications and stored user data.
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This provision establishes Pinterest's self-determined standard (reasonably necessary) for voluntary disclosure to law enforcement and government agencies, which is distinct from mandatory legal process compliance. The provision also authorizes disclosure to independent researchers, with criteria for that sharing described generally rather than with specific thresholds.
Under this provision, Pinterest may disclose account information, content, and activity data to law enforcement, government agencies, and researchers based on Pinterest's own determination that disclosure is reasonably necessary. Users can review Pinterest's Law Enforcement Guidelines, referenced in the policy, for additional detail on how these requests are handled.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Pinterest.