Reddit to Require Login for Content Viewing, Ending Open Browsing Era

Reddit is set to require users to log in to view its content, a significant shift from its long-standing open browsing model. The move aims to prevent scraping and improve ad targeting, according to the platform. This change will affect millions of users who currently browse Reddit without an account, as well as third-party tools and researchers who rely on public access. Reddit has been tightening its data policies, including API pricing changes earlier this year that sparked widespread protests. Requiring login could boost user registration and ad revenue but may also reduce traffic from casual visitors and search engines. The company has not specified a timeline for the rollout. As Reddit balances monetization with user experience, this decision marks a pivotal moment in its evolution from an open forum to a walled garden.