Reddit to restrict access to classic interface due to bot activity — The Verge

Reddit will tighten access rules for the classic Old Reddit interface over the coming months to counter data scraping and automated traffic. To use it, users will need not only to log into an account but also to have a history of using Old Reddit during the six months before the changes are introduced.

Exception for moderators

As The Verge reports, Reddit said that the six-month period covers the vast majority of users of the classic interface. The platform had previously already made logging into an account mandatory for access to Old Reddit. According to the company, this reduced the volume of data scraping and automated abuse, but the interface could still be used by any authenticated account without a prior history of using it.

Authenticated community moderators will still be able to use Old Reddit without the requirement for recent activity in this interface.

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Changes for apps and bots

Reddit has also updated the schedule for moving apps and bots that use the platform's public API to its Developer Platform. Starting January 12, the company will begin revoking API access for users who have not registered their apps. All remaining public API access is expected to end in March 2027.

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said in May 2025 that the company would keep Old Reddit as long as people used it. At the same time, in August he said changes were needed because the interface had been used for spam, data scraping and other unwanted activity on the platform.