Reddit contemplates cutting off Google and Bing to monetize data used by AI companies
Months after the dispute over API access pricing changes, The Washington Post reported that Reddit is considering cutting off Google, and forcing users to log in directly to access content. This move is contingent on whether Reddit can strike deals with generative AI companies to pay for its data.
If no agreement is reached, Reddit posts will no longer appear in search results on search engines such as Google and Bing. This decision follows Reddit's previous API pricing changes, which were designed to deter generative AI companies from using Reddit data to train large language models (LLMs) without any return for Reddit.
The Washington Post reports that Reddit has engaged in discussions with leading generative AI companies about payment for its data, according to an anonymous source. If no deal is reached, Reddit is considering blocking search crawlers from Google and Bing. This would inevitably decrease the site's visibility and visitor count. However, the source stated that Reddit believes the trade-off would be worthwhile, asserting that “Reddit can survive without search.”
This situation positions Reddit as a key player in shaping the future monetization of generative AI and the impact of the AI boom on various businesses.
- Social Network
- Freemium • Proprietary
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External links
- Major newspapers want payment from OpenAI for stories that power ChatGPTWashington Post
- ‘Reddit can survive without search’: company reportedly threatens to block GoogleThe Verge
- Reddit finally takes its API war where it belongs: to AI companiesArs Technica
- Reddit says it can survive without search; wants to block Google and BinggHacks
- Reddit reportedly plans to block Google's search crawlerBoing Boing
- Using Google to search for Reddit posts could soon get a lot trickierPhandroid
Comments
Reddit's own search feature is horrible. I can't count how many times I Google "searchterm site:reddit.com" to get decent results.
Plus, I follow all my subreddits via RSS. If this lockdown means those feeds cease, I am off Reddit for good. I follow by RSS but click through constantly to check/leave comments.
They are really taking a page from Musk and doing all they can to turn off their own users.
This is a great big-player move. Now, there's just the problem of "pay for its data".
Yes, the EULA probably says the content posted by users belongs to Reddit, but I think there should be some way to compensate the actual content creators with real money.
This should be in a similar fashion to affiliate marketing or YT ads. OR... OR... something even better.
The big problem is: when you find the answer to the question clearly visible on the search engine's page (in other words: you didn't need to click the link), how does Reddit know the query was solved, and by which post?