The body diversity project builds on Pinterest’s previous launches of algorithms that can recognize a range of skin tones and hair patterns. The new system is currently only active in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Pinterest has also committed to spending $50 million over 10 years on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects as part of a settlement reached with Rhode Island’s pension fund and other shareholders. The settlement was in response to a lawsuit accusing the company of discriminating against female and Black staff.
Key takeaways:
- Pinterest has updated its algorithms to surface diverse body types in search results, powered by a new AI system that can recognize different body shapes, forms, and sizes.
- The company developed its technology by applying machine learning to over 5 billion images of people of all shapes and sizes, aiming to make users feel the service celebrates diverse body types and delivers more relevant content.
- The new system is currently active on posts related to fashion, makeup, and weddings, and is available to users in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Pinterest has also committed to spending $50 million over 10 years on diversity, equity, and inclusion projects as part of a settlement reached with Rhode Island’s pension fund and other shareholders.