GoKawiilReddit to require logins, starting with test outside the US
Reddit plans to require all visitors to log in to view the site, a major shift from its current open-browsing model. CEO Steve Huffman says the company will first test the requirement in select markets outside the US in the coming months, with no firm timeline for a full rollout or details on what logged-out visitors will see. Reddit is also reintroducing an incognito mode for its app.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Huffman frames the move as improving user experience, ad targeting and data protection, since he says most unauthorized scraping occurs through logged-out access. The change could make Reddit less useful as an open web resource for search engines and casual visitors, even as the company continues separate data-licensing deals with firms like OpenAI and Google. Requiring logins may also boost Reddit's ad business by giving it more user data to target advertising.
- Reddit will require logins to browse the site, ending open access for logged-out users.
- A test will begin in markets outside the US in the coming months before any wider rollout.
- Reddit says the change aims to curb unauthorized scraping and improve ad targeting, while still pursuing licensing deals with AI firms.
Source: theverge.com — Jay Peters, 2026-10-29
Published there as: “Reddit will force everyone to log in”
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