Is Reddit safe? A complete safety guide for 2025

Reddit is one of the largest online platforms in the world, where millions of users come together daily to share stories, ask questions, post updates, and exchange opinions on virtually every topic imaginable. In general, Reddit is a legitimate site with strong rules, and it’s supported by a large and active user base that helps report and remove harmful or misleading content. Moderators, both official and community-based, work hard to maintain order and enforce the rules within each subreddit.

However, Reddit is not without risks. Some posts may contain false information, misleading advice, or even scams meant to trick you into sharing personal details or clicking harmful links. While Reddit provides tools and guidelines to help keep users safe, it’s important for individuals to stay cautious and think critically about the content they see on the platform.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what steps you can take to protect yourself while using it.

Reddit’s privacy policy: What you need to know

Understanding how Reddit handles your data is key to making smart choices about how you use the site. Reddit collects a variety of information when you browse, post, or interact on the platform. This includes:

• Your IP address
• The type of device you’re using
• Your browsing behavior while on the site

Reddit uses this information to tailor your experience. For example, it may suggest content based on your interests or show you ads that match your online activity. While personalized content can improve your experience, it also means that Reddit is actively tracking how you use the site.

In some cases, Reddit shares your data with outside companies. These third parties, such as advertisers, analytics services, or content partners, use your data to measure performance, deliver targeted ads, and enhance overall service.

You do have control over your data. Reddit allows you to review, change, or delete the personal information linked to your account. You can manage ad preferences, limit tracking, and even request to download or erase your data if you choose to stop using the platform.

Plus, Reddit also publishes a Transparency Report each year. This report outlines how the platform handles user data, government requests, content removals, and other key issues related to privacy and safety. It’s a valuable resource if you want to see how Reddit holds itself accountable.

What could go wrong on Reddit

Reddit can be a fun place to browse, read news, and talk with others. But not everything on the site is safe. Knowing what to watch for will help you stay safe while enjoying what Reddit has to offer.

Here are the most common dangers on Reddit:

• Scammers and cybercriminals: Some people on Reddit aren’t who they say they are. Scammers may post fake giveaways, send phishing links, or try to trick you into sharing personal details. One wrong click can lead to stolen accounts or worse.
• False information: Not everything on Reddit is true. Anyone can post, and not all subreddits are well-moderated. You might see fake news, bad health advice, or biased opinions shared as fact.
• Easy access to NSFW content: Reddit allows adult material. If you don’t turn on content filters in your settings, you might stumble onto explicit or disturbing posts without warning.
• Anonymous accounts: everyone on Reddit uses a username, not their real name. That means you never know who you’re talking to. This freedom attracts good people, but it also gives scammers and trolls room to hide.
• Shady communities: A few subreddits discuss illegal or dangerous topics like drug sales or hacking. While Reddit removes the worst of these, some still exist and can link you to dark-web activity or criminal behavior.

Most of these risks come from other people, not Reddit itself. If you stay alert, think before you click, and keep your personal info private, then you can use Reddit safely without much trouble.

Reddit’s 2023 Data Breach: What happened and what you should do

In February 2023, Reddit experienced a significant security incident resulting from a targeted phishing attack. A hacker tricked an employee into entering their login details on a fake company login page, which gave the attacker access to Reddit’s internal systems. They managed to view internal documents, source code, and business dashboards, but not the core systems that run Reddit or hold most user data.

Around 100,000 people were affected. The leaked data included names, job titles, email addresses, phone numbers, employer details, and some social media links. Reddit responded quickly after the breach. The employee who fell for the phishing scam reported it immediately, allowing the security team to cut off access and launch a thorough investigation. Reddit also tightened its internal defenses and began training employees to spot future phishing attempts.

Reddit informed those affected and advised everyone to change their passwords, use strong, unique logins, and turn on two-factor authentication.

How to stay safe on Reddit

Staying safe on Reddit isn’t hard, but it does take awareness. These habits will help you browse, post, and comment with more confidence and control:

1. Keep your identity off Reddit

When setting up your Reddit account, don’t use your real name or anything that could reveal who you are. Keep your username random and avoid adding personal details to your bio. The more anonymous you stay, the harder it is for bad actors to track you or connect your online presence to your real life.

2. Think before you share

Every time you post or comment, ask yourself if you’re revealing too much. Even casual mentions of your location, workplace, or family can give scammers useful clues. The less you share, the safer you are.

3. Lock down your account

Create a strong, unique password that you haven’t used on any other site. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). With 2FA enabled, even if someone gets your password, they’ll still need a second code to log in. It’s one of the easiest ways to stop account takeovers.

4. Control what others see

Go into your settings and limit what people can find. Turn off “content visibility” and hide your active communities. This makes it harder for strangers to track your activity or target you based on your interests.

5. Use a VPN to stay private

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds another layer of security while you browse Reddit. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for anyone, like your internet provider, hackers, or websites, to track your activity. This is especially important if you’re using Reddit on public Wi-Fi, where snooping is more common.

6. Be smart about links

Not every link is safe. Stay away from anything that looks suspicious or takes you outside of Reddit. If you don’t know where a link goes, don’t click it — especially in unfamiliar threads or messages.

7. Watch out for unwanted messages

Strangers might send you direct messages trying to scam you, lure you to sketchy sites, or harass you. If anything feels off, block the sender immediately and report the message. You don’t owe anyone your time or attention.

8. Stick to trusted tools

Some third-party Reddit apps or browser extensions promise new features. Unfortunately, many also come with privacy risks. These tools don’t follow Reddit’s rules and may collect extra data or expose you to malware. Stick with official apps and trusted sources when browsing Reddit.

9. Use antivirus software

Boost your online defense with strong security software. A good antivirus software can block shady links, scan for malware, and warn you about unsafe websites before you fall into a trap.

Reddit bans and restrictions

In several parts of the world, you can’t access Reddit freely. Countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh may restrict access to Reddit. These bans often stem from concerns about content that governments find offensive or politically sensitive, ranging from adult material and unfiltered discussions to posts critical of authority.

Additionally, Reddit may be restricted on school or office networks due to its open access to NSFW content.

If you want to log into your Reddit account, a trustworthy VPN can help. It masks your location and lets you access your account as if you were back home. Using a VPN to access Reddit keeps your browsing private, helping you stay informed, safe, and in touch with your friends no matter where you are.

Reddit FAQs

In this section, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about Reddit to help you stay safer, protect your privacy, and avoid common threats on the platform.