Reddit has introduced a login requirement for old.reddit.com to combat scraping and automated traffic, a move that has sparked intense debate among users. The change is seen by many as part of a broader trend of platform degradation and loss of user access to the platform.

Users are sharply divided, with some accusing Reddit of using the login requirement as an excuse to shut down old.reddit.com and push users toward the new interface. Others argue that the move is a genuine effort to improve security and reduce abuse. Commenters like zerofk claim it's a strategy to drive users away, while otp highlights the loss of access to NSFW subreddits. HCSOThrowaway suggests the login requirement could be a calculated move to boost Lemmy's adoption.

The community consensus leans toward viewing the login requirement as a step in Reddit's enshittification, with many users expressing frustration and anger. The debate underscores a growing divide between those who see the change as a necessary security measure and those who view it as a deliberate attempt to push users toward alternative platforms.