Key Facts

• Reddit announced that over the next month, logging in will be required to access old.reddit.com.
• The change targets abusive automated traffic and scraping, which is when programs collect data without permission.
• Logging in helps Reddit detect accounts that break rules and block bad behavior.
• Old Reddit lacks some modern security features found in the newer version of Reddit.
• Reddit may eventually retire old.reddit.com but will support it as long as people continue using it.
• The login requirement follows earlier tests that restricted logged-out access on Reddit’s mobile website.
• This move could reduce anonymous browsing and increase user tracking for advertising purposes.
• Some longtime Reddit users prefer old.reddit.com for its simpler design and may be discouraged by the login requirement.