Reddit is a popular platform that allows users to talk about various topics. People who have the same interests will gather in a subreddit and communicate peacefully following the community rules. For those who never used Reddit before, they might wonder: is Reddit a safe site to visit?
In this blog, we will answer this question and explain what data will Reddit collect. Apart from listing the possible threats you might be concerned about, we will also introduce some measures to protect your data and enhance privacy.
Reddit’s Safety & Security Policy
Before we start, you should be aware that Reddit is a public platform. By using the Reddit services, you have permitted Reddit to share your information. Other users can clearly see your comments, posts, and their publish date. In addition, what you have written down might appear in search engines or become generated responses from AI chatbots.
What Data Will Reddit Collect
Account information: To post on Reddit, you have to sign up for a Reddit account first. Reddit will require your email address, Apple ID, Google account, or phone number. Additionally, to customize your user experience, it will also save data about your preferences and cookies.
Information Related to Your Activities: This might be the key concern that makes users doubt whether Reddit is safe. People wonder whether Generally while using Reddit services, it might store data like your IP address, browser type, device details, and accessed pages.
Reddit can indeed detect your IP addresses, but it will only keep the one used for registration and remove the rest of them 100 days later.
Payment Information: If you try to buy something from Reddit, it will follow the payment processor services to collect the information about this purchase including dates or payment amount.
Location Information: Since it has recorded your IP address, Reddit might get your approximate location.
Third-party Service Information: If you authorize other third-party services to link or access your Reddit account, Reddit might receive information related to this service.
What Will These Data be Used for
- Improve the user experience and provide better services for users.
- Customize content based on your preferences.
- Protect Reddit and users’s security. Avoid any threats from scam emails or data leaks.
- Optimize advertising performance.
- Develop new services.
- Send notifications about promotions or recommend content you might be interested in.
Is Reddit Safe: Potential Risks
Scams or Phishing Messages
Although Reddit and its users are trying to create a safe environment. However, it’s hard to block all the scammers. Many users have encountered Reddit scams or phishing. Be careful when someone on Reddit sends you a direct message, link, or comment.
Cyber Harassment or Inapproare Content
Your posts and comments are open on this platform, meanwhile, it’s also visible to everyone on Reddit. So you might be attacked due to some comments you left. In addition, Reddit is available for different ages and backgrounds. It can’t guarantee all the content suitable for teenagers.
To make sure all the users browse Reddit safely, Reddit officials and subreddit admins have set rules to prevent hateful, controversial, or sensitive content.
Unreliable Information Source
What you read on Reddit could be fake news. It might lack evidence to support its perfectives. If you have encountered some issues, it’s better to call for a professional’s help.
How to Ensure Safety on Reddit?
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
In addition to your username and password, the two-factor authentication will require you to enter a 6-digit verification code. Even if your Reddit account login credentials are leaked accidentally, the cybercriminals can’t easily log in to your account.
To activate two-factor authentication for your Reddit account:
- Press your username and go to “Settings”.
- On the Account authorization section, select “Two-factor authentication” to turn it on.
- Fill in your password and tap “Confirm”.
- Follow the prompts to continue. It’s better to store your backup codes in case you forget it.
- After the setup, you might need to log in to Reddit again.
Use a Reliable VPN to Stay Anonymous
A trusted VPN can conceal your IP address and protect your data while using Reddit. Here we recommend LightningX VPN, it is one of the best VPNs for Reddit.
It follows a strict no-log policy and makes sure your browsing history is completely private. LightningX VPN will never collect your data like search history, IP address, or Bandwidth usage.
Support 2000+ servers covering more than 50 countries, it can unblock inaccessible websites in your region.
The ultra-fast speed will ensure a seamless viewing experience and offer lag-free gaming.
Available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, tvOS, and Linux, you can download LightningX VPN and log in to multiple platforms simultaneously.
Keep away from Suspicious Links
To prevent scams on Reddit, you need to pay attention to the links. Whether they’re sent to your DMs or just responded to by other users, it’s better to only visit official or reliable websites.
It could be very dangerous if you leave something personal on a public platform like Reddit. This can not only leak your data but also lead to serious cyber crimes like identity theft.
Is Reddit Safe for Kids?
Currently, Reddit doesn’t have built-in parental controls. However, it has made restrictions for kids under 13. They are not allowed to register a Reddit account and use its services.
To avoid inappropriate content for children, you can also go to settings > Prefences > Conetnt, and press “Blur mature (18+) images and media” to enable it. In addition, we sincerely suggest underage users access Reddit with parental guidance.
Final Verdict
Is Reddit safe to use? To be more specific, Reddit itself is a legitimate platform and has set rules to protect users’ cyber security. But you can also keep a close eye while using it and follow our additional tips. Hope you can browse Reddit safely.
