Reddit is tightening access to its classic desktop interface and ending RSS support to prevent AI bots and automated abuse from scraping platform data.

Reddit has announced new restrictions on the use of its legacy "Old Reddit" interface, requiring users to have accessed the classic layout within the last six months to continue using it. This change, set to roll out in the coming months, follows a previous mandate requiring users to be logged in to view the site. The company stated these measures are necessary to combat automated traffic, AI scraping, and platform abuse.

New Usage Requirements for Old Reddit

The upcoming access restrictions will effectively bar new accounts from using the classic interface and will also exclude existing users who have not interacted with the layout in the last six months. Reddit noted that this timeframe covers the vast majority of current Old Reddit users. However, the company confirmed that logged-in moderators will remain exempt from these recent usage requirements.

Discontinuation of RSS Feeds

In addition to restricting the classic interface, Reddit will officially end support for RSS feeds on November 13. The company identified RSS as a frequent target for large-scale scraping and automated abuse. While Reddit acknowledged that RSS has been a long-standing feature for the community, it stated that no direct replacement will be provided for feeds outside of those used by community moderators.

Ongoing Efforts Against Data Scraping

Reddit has been actively working to limit unauthorized data access, including blocking the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine and pursuing legal action against companies like Anthropic. CEO Steve Huffman previously stated that while he hopes to eventually rebuild the Old Reddit experience on a modern foundation, the current version has become a significant source of spam and scraping. The company is also transitioning its public data API to a more controlled developer platform.