Reddit faces backlash over plan to require logins for most site access

Reddit announced plans to require users to log in for most of the site, ending open access without an account. The change, starting with tests outside the US, has drawn widespread criticism from users. CEO Steve Huffman cited better user experience, ad business, safety regulations, and data protection as reasons. However, Reddit users responded negatively, with many comparing the move to Pinterest's decline and expressing concerns about forced personalization and reduced search accessibility. The shift could become global and permanent after testing, potentially harming Reddit's open-internet role. Users worry it may lead to the platform's decline, though alternatives could emerge, similar to how Bluesky and Threads followed Twitter's changes.