Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Pinterest used images and other content saved or uploaded by users to train its Pinterest Canvas generative-AI model without users clearly understanding or affirmatively agreeing to that use.
Pinterest states that it trains Pinterest Canvas, its image-generation foundation model, on certain publicly available data that users save or upload to the platform.
Pinterest Canvas is used in part to create or modify advertising imagery, including generating backgrounds for product advertisements. Pinterest allows users to opt out through its Generative AI privacy settings.
What We Are Investigating
Pinterest users may save or upload photographs, artwork, graphics, designs, and other visual material because they want to organize, share, or display that content on Pinterest.
Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether consumers understood that these materials could also be used as training inputs for Pinterest’s own image-generation technology.
We are investigating whether:
- users received adequate notice before their content became eligible for AI training;
- the AI-training setting was enabled without a separate affirmative opt-in;
- users understood that saved or uploaded content could be used to train Pinterest Canvas;
- material uploaded before the current AI-training disclosures was included;
- Pinterest clearly explained how opting out affected previously used content;
- creators understood that their work could contribute to an AI system used for advertising purposes; and
- Pinterest obtained commercial value from user-created content without separately compensating those users.
Pinterest currently tells users that they may opt out at any time through a setting labeled “Use your data to train Pinterest Canvas.” Users under 18 are automatically excluded from this training setting.
Potential Claims May Include:
- unfair or deceptive trade practices;
- inadequate disclosure of AI-training practices;
- breach of contract or related contractual claims;
- unjust enrichment;
- privacy-related claims; and
- claims concerning the commercial reuse of user-created content.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You maintained a Pinterest account and saved or uploaded original content;
- you uploaded photographs, artwork, graphics, illustrations, or other creative material;
- you created Pins containing your own work;
- you were unaware that Pinterest could use user data to train Pinterest Canvas;
- you later found the “Use your data to train Pinterest Canvas” setting;
- you opted out only after learning about the AI-training practice;
- you posted content before Pinterest introduced or prominently disclosed its Generative AI controls; or
- you have screenshots, older privacy notices, or account communications showing how the setting was presented.
If you saved or uploaded content to Pinterest and believe it may have been used to train Pinterest Canvas without your informed consent, we would like to hear from you.
Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call.