Reddit to limit Classic Desktop Site to Recent Users and End RSS Support
Reddit announced it will soon restrict access to the 21-year-old desktop layout to users who have logged in within the past six months and will discontinue RSS feeds on November 13.
Reddit is preparing to further limit its legacy desktop interface, Old Reddit, to users who have logged in and used the layout within the previous six months, a move that will bar new accounts and long-inactive users while leaving moderators unaffected. This restriction builds on a prior requirement that only logged-in users could view Old Reddit, part of the platform’s strategy to combat AI-driven scraping, which the company says has been a major source of abuse.
In addition, Reddit will cease supporting RSS feeds starting November 13, citing the same concerns over automated data collection. The company noted that the recent login restriction has already reduced automated misuse, though it has not confirmed whether Old Reddit will eventually be retired. CEO Steve Huffman expressed a desire to eventually recreate the classic UI on a modern foundation, but no timeline was provided. These steps accompany broader API changes that limit third-party client access and shift developers to a more controlled platform.
Why it matters
The restrictions affect how longtime Reddit users and developers access content, reflecting broader efforts to curb AI scraping and protect the platform.
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