Reddit will start forcing its users to log in to see much of the posts on its site and app.

The decision marks a major change for Reddit, which for much of the more than 20 years it has existed has looked to support the open web by allowing its posts to be publicly available. Now, however, it has decided to make the “big change” to make Reddit primarily a “logged-in experience”, said its chief executive Steve Huffman.

Users will still be able to see some limited parts of the site – such as its front page, and when clicking from a search – when they are logged out. But those will be dramatically reduced, and much of Reddit will start to become inaccessible to those who are not logged in, he said.

“We’re making the change because it’s better for user experience, better for our ads business, is more in line with safety regulations, and more protective of Reddit data,” Mr Huffman said.…