Reddit Will Force Everyone to Log In

Reddit intends to enforce user logins, marking a significant shift from its long-standing policy allowing anonymous access. CEO Steve Huffman explained that the decision is driven by the need to prevent unauthorized scraping and automated traffic. This is a drastic change for Reddit, where anonymous browsing has been possible for over two decades. Huffman acknowledged the impact on the open internet, which has been integral to his life. However, he believes this move is the right decision for the platform and business.

The exact rollout timeline remains unclear, and the experience for users who remain logged out is still being determined. Initially, Reddit will pilot the requirement in select markets outside the US. Huffman stated that the company will assess the impact on user experience, business, and the overall Reddit ecosystem before deciding on the final approach.

Reddit has also revamped the incognito mode in its app. Huffman claimed the new login requirement is beneficial for user experience, the ads business, and protects Reddit data. While most unauthorized access to Reddit occurs through logged-out experiences, the company still plans to enter licensing deals for its data with companies like OpenAI and Google.

Huffman emphasized that Reddit does not require knowledge of a logged-in user's identity, only that the user is authenticated. He added that more logged-in users would enable the company to deliver more relevant ads.