Reddit will start requiring "fishy accounts" to verify they are run by a human

Reddit is set to introduce human verification for a select group of users whose accounts show automated activity or fishy bot-like behavior. CEO Steve Huffman says most users will not be affected. As part of the rollout, Reddit will also introduce a formal bot labeling system, with approved automated accounts receiving an [APP] label so users can clearly see when an account is bot run.

If an account appears automated but doesn't carry that label, Reddit may ask it to verify that a real human is behind it. The company says it wants to confirm humanness without tying accounts to real world identity, in an effort to preserve Reddit’s anonymity. Verification methods being considered include passkey checks, fingerprint scans, PIN entry, and third party biometric tools such as World ID. Huffman says traditional ID verification is the least private and least preferred option, though Reddit may still need to support it in places such as the UK and Australia.

The platform is also making it easier to report suspected bots, while drawing a line between undisclosed automation and human users who rely on AI tools to write. For now, the focus is on identifying whether an account is operated by a person, not on removing all AI assisted content.