Reddit — Policy Change
Executive Summary
Reddit updated its privacy policy to explicitly detail how it tracks users, particularly on mobile. The policy disclosed that Reddit shares users' mobile unique advertising identifiers, IP addresses, and lists of subscribed subreddits with advertisers. A new section on mobile data collection was added, along with instructions for opting out of mobile advertising tracking on Reddit's official apps.
What Happened
On January 16, 2015, Reddit updated its privacy policy to provide explicit details about its user tracking practices, with a particular focus on mobile platforms. The updated policy disclosed that Reddit shares users' mobile unique advertising identifiers, IP addresses, and lists of subscribed subreddits with advertisers. A new section specifically addressing mobile data collection was added to the policy, and Reddit included instructions for users who wish to opt out of mobile advertising tracking on its official apps.
Who Is Affected
All Reddit users are affected by this policy change, with particular impact on those using Reddit's official mobile applications. Users who browse specific subreddit communities may have their subscription lists shared with advertisers, and mobile users have their unique advertising identifiers and IP addresses disclosed. The policy applies to Reddit's user base globally where the official mobile apps are used.
Why It Matters
This policy update represents an explicit acknowledgment of data sharing practices between Reddit and advertisers that may not have been clearly communicated to users previously. The disclosure that subscription lists are shared with advertisers is significant because subreddit subscriptions can reveal personal interests, beliefs, and potentially sensitive information about users. The addition of mobile-specific tracking details reflects the growing importance of mobile advertising and the unique identifiers that enable cross-app tracking of user behavior.
What You Should Do
Reddit users concerned about mobile advertising tracking should follow the opt-out instructions provided in the updated privacy policy for Reddit's official mobile apps. Users can also review their subreddit subscriptions and consider whether they want to continue subscribing to communities that might reveal sensitive personal information. Additionally, users should review the complete updated privacy policy to understand what data is being collected and shared, and consider whether they want to continue using Reddit's services under these terms.
AI-Assisted
Event summaries are generated by Claude AI from verified sources and reviewed by humans before publication.
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