Reddit Kills RSS and Public API Over AI Bots

Reddit is ending support for RSS feeds and restricting public API access as it tries to combat AI bots and unauthorized scraping. The company says the changes are needed to protect user-generated content and reduce automated traffic that can strain its systems. Under the new approach, users will soon need to log in to access Old Reddit, and API access will be limited. The decision follows mounting tension between online platforms and AI companies over how public data is collected and used. Reddit hosts millions of discussions, making it a valuable source for search, research, and model training. But that value has also made it a target for large-scale scraping. Reddit argues that tighter controls will help it manage access, enforce rules, and potentially build more sustainable data partnerships. Critics worry the move will hurt the open web. RSS feeds have long allowed users to follow topics and communities without logging in, using third-party readers, or relying on algorithmic feeds. Restricting them could make Reddit less accessible to journalists, researchers, archivists, and people who prefer simple, chronological updates. Developers of third-party apps may also face new barriers, especially if API limits make it harder to build alternative clients or moderation tools. The changes reflect a wider shift: platforms are increasingly closing off public endpoints in the name of security, control, and monetization. For Reddit, the challenge is balancing those goals against its history as a community-driven site. If access becomes too restricted, some users may migrate to alternatives or rely on unofficial workarounds. If controls are too loose, scraping and bot activity may continue unchecked. The outcome will be watched closely by other platforms facing similar pressures, as well as by AI developers who depend on diverse public data.