Pinterest Gets More Personal With Browser Tracking

Pinterest announced on Friday that it is rolling out a few new features, including personalized pin and board recommendations based on the sites you visit.

In a blog post Friday, the San Francisco-based social bookmarking platform said it does support a "do not track" browser feature, but otherwise will use your cookies, log data and device information to personalize what pins and boards you may see.

See also: 12 Most Cliché Photos on Instagram

"So if you're planning a party and have gone to lots of party sites recently, we'll try to suggest boards to make your event a hit," Pinterest software engineer Ke Chen wrote.

In addition to browser tracking, Pinterest may show you pins from users with similar interests, and also use your gender or location to select pins for you.

Set to arrive in "the next few weeks," these changes could spark privacy concerns; but Pinterest has previously said that on Aug. 26, it will update its privacy policy, which details the information that the company collects, as well as how it uses the info.

Pinterest's other upcoming feature is an "edit" button (pictured above) that lets users better customize their home feed.

In an email to users, the company described its new features, and asked users for feedback on how they feel about the new tools.

What do you think about personalized pins? Are you comfortable with being tracked online, or does that creep you out? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Images: Pinterest blog

1. 

   1. UNICEF's 'Ami Musa'

   At the peak of Pinterest's popularity, UNICEF decided to turn the social network on its head and stray from the typical pinning of visually interesting content.

   The team began pinning through the eyes of Ami Musa, a fictional 13-year-old girl from Sierra Leone. The sole board is named "Really Want These," and it showcases objects we generally take advantage of, including running water, soap and shoes.

   Screenshot courtesy of UNICEF

2. 

   2. C.J. Chivers' War Photojournalism

   Chivers is a war journalist with The New York Times, and he pins original photographs that relate to his stories, including arms, arms trafficking, war tactics and human rights.

   Screenshot courtesy of C.J. Chivers

3. 

   3. Liz Gray's 'The House That Liz Built'

   Liz Gray is the decorating and entertaining editor at HGTV, and while she pins tips and suggestions for design-inclined followers, she also pins inspirations for remodeling her own home.

   Screenshot courtesy of Liz Gray

4. 

   4. GIRLS' 'fanGIRLS'

   Many shows inspire fan art, but HBO's GIRLS, which has a huge following, actually showcases it with the "fanGIRLS" board.

   Screenshot courtesy of GIRLS

5. 

   5. Victor Ng's '2013 Resolutions'

   Victor Ng is a designer at Pinterest and has several interesting boards, but one in particular stands out. Ng compiled his New Year's resolutions for 2013, using Pinterest to keep track of them as well as providing motivation.

   Screenshot courtesy of Victor Ng

6. 

   6. NARS' Lip Pencil Sales Campaign

   In early March 2013, cosmetics brand NARS tested the Pinterest selling waters with three popular design pinners providing exclusive access to a new line of lip pencils. The brand used analytics tool Pinfluencer to choose which pinners should help with the campaign.

   Screenshot courtesy of Danaë Vokolos

7. 

   7. Buick's 'Pinterest to Dashboard' Contest

   Buick hosted a contest to turn a Pinterest board into a car's design concept. The winner, Michael Wurm Jr., pinned sea foam color tones and beach scenes, inspiring the concept pictured.

   Image courtesy of GM

8. 

   8. Pinterest's 'Pinterest HQ'

   Before you believe that following Pinterest on Pinterest is too meta, check out its behind-the-scenes board. It offers a glimpse into what it's like to run one the most popular social networks out there. (Pro tip: There's always time for some foosball.)

   Screenshot courtesy of Pinterest

9. 

   9. Y&R Midwest's 'Helpin'

   In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, marketing and advertising company Y&R set up Helpin in February 2013 as a way to help specific families in need.

   Screenshot courtesy of Y&R Midwest

10. 

    10. Petfinder's 'Simply Adorable Adoptables'

    You already look at cute animals on Pinterest -- why not look at cute animals that need good homes? Petfinder highlight animals that just might need some extra love in your area.

    Screenshot courtesy of Petfinder