Reddit is implementing new measures to identify bots on its platform, which may require some users to confirm their human identity. In a recent post, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman announced a new labeling system for accounts registered as bots and indicated that users displaying “automated” or suspicious behavior may need to verify their human status through methods like fingerprint scanning or ID submission.
The update allows developers to register automated accounts, which will receive an “[APP]” label. Reddit will also monitor for accounts with suspicious activities that lack this label. Huffman assures that human verification will be rare and will not affect most users.
Users of suspected automated accounts will be asked to verify their human identity using various methods, such as fingerprint scanning via smartphones, entering a PIN, or using third-party biometric services like World ID, which utilizes a unique eyeball-scanning orb.
Huffman mentions third-party ID verification services, which he considers “least secure, least private, and least preferred.” These services are already required by the UK and Australia. Accounts that cannot verify their human status may face restrictions.
Last year, Reddit piloted account verification for brands and users. Huffman recently indicated the upcoming launch of a bot verification system and explored the potential use of Face ID for verifying user identity during a TBPN interview.
Additionally, Reddit will simplify the process of reporting suspected bots, although it won’t strictly penalize accounts using AI for content creation. Huffman emphasized the focus on ensuring there is a real human behind the accounts observed on the platform.