1. Reddit is rolling out a new Public Content Policy to balance licensing its data with protecting user privacy.
2. The company is moving into the data licensing space to increase revenue, following its recent stock market debut.
3. The new policy restricts unauthorized access to Reddit’s data and outlines guidelines for commercial entities, including a contract requirement for businesses using Reddit data for commercial purposes.
Reddit has introduced a new policy called the Public Content Policy to protect user privacy while balancing its need to license content to larger tech companies. This policy governs how Reddit’s data is accessed and used by commercial entities and partners. The company also launched a subreddit for researchers using Reddit data, shortly after its stock market debut. Reddit aims to grow revenue from ads, API usage, and data licensing, having earned $203 million through data licensing agreements.
The new policy restricts unauthorized access to Reddit data, pushing commercial entities to sign agreements to access data. Reddit aims to block entities misusing data at scale and ensure compliance with user rights and privacy. Non-commercial access to Reddit data for research purposes will continue, but any commercial use, including for AI training, will require a contract. Advertisers are directed to an ads API for campaign management and performance tracking.
The policy prohibits partners from using Reddit data for ad targeting, spamming, harassment, background checks, facial recognition, government surveillance, or aiding law enforcement. Access to adult media is restricted, personal information won’t be sold, and non-public content like private messages won’t be licensed. Reddit has created a subreddit for researchers and plans to collaborate with OpenMined to guide researchers using Reddit data for non-commercial purposes.