Reddit tests logged-in-only access transition

Reddit is testing a shift toward a logged-in-only experience, driven by declining search referral traffic and corporate monetization goals. CEO Steve Huffman confirmed the transition on an earnings call and in a shareholder letter, framing it around ad targeting, data protection, and regulatory compliance. The author argues that this move strips away the internet's open-archive workaround to convert anonymous readers into trackable accounts, following prior API changes and content licensing deals with AI companies. Open article →