The robots.txt file for Pinterest enforces strong restrictions that significantly limit the access of automated crawlers. The directives impose multiple Disallow: / rules, which effectively block all site sections from regular web scraping. These rules apply universally across all standard user agents, with only distinct bots such as Googlebot and Bingbot having separate, more lenient conditions.

The file does not explicitly provide any Allow: /path directive for the general public. Coupled with the universal disallow directive, this makes the whole site off-limits for generic web scrapers. Even though there are sitemap references such as Sitemap: https://www.pinterest.com/sitemap.xml, these do not have a direct implication for scraping as they're meant for search engine indexing purposes. As such, the Pinterest robots.txt file signals a strict policy against arbitrary and indiscriminate web scraping.

The terms of service for Pinterest include explicit statements about automated access and data extraction. The terms state:

"You agree not to use any robot, spider, crawler, scraper or other automated means or interface not provided by us to access the Services or to extract data."

This language broadly covers automated collection across both public-facing pages and logged-in areas by referring to access to "the Services" generally. While enforceability can depend on whether a user has explicitly agreed to the terms (for example, by creating an account or continuing to use the site after notice), Pinterest frames this restriction as universally applicable to use of the service.

Pinterest provides an official API that developers can use under separate, written terms, so automated access is possible only if done through approved interfaces and in compliance with those policies. The terms also prohibit attempts to bypass protective measures such as logins, rate limits, or other technical restrictions, and Pinterest reserves remedies for violations such as restricting or terminating access and pursuing legal action where appropriate. In practice, scraping is forbidden unless you have Pinterest’s express written permission or use their official API in accordance with its rules.