In an effort to control artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content and bot accounts, Reddit (forum, social networking platform) is preparing to deploy a series of new user verification measures, called "humanity testing".
This move reflects the increasing pressure on social media platforms to ensure the authenticity of online discussions.
According to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, the new system will only apply to accounts with signs of automated or suspicious behavior.
The goal is to ensure that users can clearly distinguish when interacting with real people, rather than bots or content created by AI.
In the context of increasingly popular AI, Reddit is still considered one of the rare open forums where users exchange opinions on many topics.
However, the increase in bots and automated content is reducing the quality of discussion, which is an issue that many large platforms are also facing.
To solve this, Reddit plans to cooperate with third parties to verify identity without directly collecting personal information such as real name or operating history.
Options being considered include advanced password authentication, biometric technology, and even identification systems provided by the government through intermediaries.
One of the notable solutions is iris scanning technology belonging to the World ID system, developed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
This technology allows verifying user identity through biometric characteristics, but also raises concerns about privacy.
However, Reddit affirms that verification measures will only be applied in rare cases.
If the account cannot be proven to be human-operated, the platform may apply certain restrictions. At the same time, valid bots are still allowed to operate but will have to be clearly labeled as "applications".
Notably, Huffman admitted that methods such as identity verification with personal papers are "unsafe, inconspicuous and least popular".
Therefore, the company is aiming for long-term solutions that are decentralized, ensure privacy and do not require the provision of personal papers.
Currently, Reddit has not taken strong action against users who use AI chatbots to post or comment.
However, the implementation of "humanity tests" shows that this platform is gradually tightening content control, in the context that the boundary between humans and AI is becoming increasingly blurred in cyberspace.
