Reddit is planning new user verification measures to combat the growing threat of AI bots mimicking human users, following a recent experiment that caused widespread alarm. A group of researchers deployed over 1,700 AI-generated comments in the “Change My View” subreddit, impersonating various identities, including sensitive personas and controversial voices. This experiment, designed to test AI’s persuasive abilities, raised serious concerns about the integrity of Reddit’s user experience and the authenticity of interactions on the platform.
The incident highlighted the risks of AI manipulation in online spaces and struck at the core of Reddit’s identity as a place for real, human conversation. In response, Reddit condemned the study as unethical and filed a formal complaint against the responsible university. The platform has since announced intentions to introduce stricter verification protocols to “keep Reddit human” and prevent AI bots from blending in with genuine users.
CEO Steve Huffman explained that Reddit would begin working with third-party verification providers to confirm users’ humanity and, in some regions, their age. While emphasizing Reddit’s commitment to user anonymity, Huffman clarified that the platform would not seek real names or full identities. The move marks a significant policy shift for Reddit, which has traditionally allowed users to create accounts with minimal personal information.
Although the company did not specify when or how the new verification would roll out, it hinted at partnerships with external platforms known for identity checks, such as Persona or Stripe Identity. These services typically require government-issued ID, raising concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of sensitive information.
Reddit stressed that any data collected would remain limited and protected, and the company would resist overreaching demands from governments or private entities. Still, critics worry that verification systems could erode the anonymity that makes Reddit a safe space for personal and controversial topics, especially under legal scrutiny.
As regulators push social platforms to implement stronger age and identity checks, Reddit is navigating the delicate balance between authenticity, privacy, and compliance in an AI-disrupted digital landscape.
