Reddit introduces 'Official' labels for user verification and plans accessibility enhancements

Reddit has joined the ranks of X and Meta in the ongoing debate about user verification, introducing 'Official' labels to denote verified identities on its platform. Currently in testing, these labels appear as flairs beside usernames, but are only visible on Reddit's iOS and Android apps. Although the company has not disclosed whether there will be an application process or a fee associated with verification, it has confirmed that the feature is being trialed on a limited number of profiles.

In addition to its verification initiative, Reddit has also revealed plans to enhance accessibility within its apps. The company's roadmap includes making various elements of its service, such as the left navigation menu, profile drawer, bottom tab bar, Community page, post detail page, and Home & Popular feeds, compatible with screen readers. The implementation of these features is scheduled for next month.

These moves by Reddit come in response to recent community backlash against changes to the platform's API charging policy, which led to the closure of several apps that offered strong accessibility features.