The Data Was Stolen, Reddit Blocks Internet Archive Access To Its Platform

JAKARTA Reddit decided to block the Internet Archive, a site that is a data archive in the digital world. This decision was made after their platform data was taken illegally.

Some time ago, Reddit discovered that there was an Artificial Intelligence (AI) company using its data. After being traced, it turns out that the data comes from Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.

Reddit spokesman Tim Rathschmidt said the unnamed AI company had violated platform policies. As a form of user data security, Reddit will limit Internet Archive access.

"The internet Archive provides services for the open web, but we are aware of events where AI companies violate platform policies, including our policies, and take data from Wayback Machine," Rathschmidt said, quoted via The Verge.

With the implementation of these restrictions, Wayback Machine can no longer archive posts, comments, or account profiles from Reddit users. They will only be able to index the Reddit.com home page.

Later, the Internet Archive can only keep insights into the most popular posts or headlines on certain days. Detail content such as comments and user profiles will no longer be archived.

Rathschmidt also explained that these restrictions had already begun to be implemented. Reddit has also contacted the Internet Archive before imposing restrictions to inform them of this decision.

"Until they are able to maintain their site and comply with platform policies, we limit some of their access to Reddit data to protect Reddit users," added Rathschmidt.

Mark Graham, director of Wayback Machine, stated that they had already discussed with Reddit the matter. Graham also emphasized that communication between the two is still ongoing because, "we have a long-term relationship."

This isn't the first time Reddit has imposed restrictions on data access to its platform. The company only allows data supply if its AI company is willing to pay, such as the agreement between Reddit and Google and OpenAI.