Reddit will start requiring logins to see more of its content

Reddit plans to make people log in to see more of its content. Co-founder Steve Huffman said the site will gradually become a "logged-in service," with limited access for visitors who do not have an account. For 20 years, almost everything on Reddit could be read without signing up.

Why Reddit is doing it

Huffman gave two reasons. Reddit wants to personalize what each person sees, and it wants to slow down scrapers, which are tools that copy large amounts of content automatically. Reddit says most unauthorized data access happens through pages that do not require a login. AI companies and search engines that want the data will still be able to get it through paid licensing deals. More logged-in users also means more relevant ads, which supports Reddit's revenue.

What stays open and what is unknown

A test will begin in selected countries outside the US in the coming months. Reddit has not said which content will be restricted, which countries come first, or when the change will spread. Huffman said the front page should stay open to everyone. People who arrive from a search result should still see at least the page the link points to.

Privacy promises

• Reddit says it will not ask for real names or ID documents.
• A read-only incognito mode will return to the app.
• Users will be able to opt out of personalized ads.

Anyone who reads Reddit without an account should expect more prompts to sign up. If you do, check the ad personalization setting.