Reddit is not completely anonymous, but it offers pseudonymous anonymity—meaning you can use a username without revealing your real identity. However, your activity is tied to your account, and Reddit collects data such as IP addresses, device information, and browsing behavior.
Key Points About Reddit's Anonymity:
Username-Based Identity: You choose your username, which doesn’t require real-name verification.
Data Collection: Reddit logs your IP address and activity. While other users can’t see your real identity, Reddit and potentially law enforcement can access this data under legal requests.
Account Visibility: Your post and comment history is public unless you disable visibility in your privacy settings.
Throwaway Accounts: Creating temporary accounts with generic usernames helps separate sensitive activity from your main identity.
Anonymous Browsing (Mobile Only): The Reddit app offers Anonymous Browsing mode, which prevents your activity (searches, viewed subreddits) from being linked to your account. This feature is not available on desktop.
Risks to Anonymity:
Doxxing: Sharing even minor details (e.g., city, workplace, interests) can help others piece together your identity.
Cross-Platform Links: Using the same username or linking to social media across platforms can compromise anonymity.
Law Enforcement Access: Reddit may hand over user data in response to subpoenas or warrants.
Best Practices for Privacy:
Use a throwaway account for sensitive topics.
Avoid sharing personal details in posts, comments, or profile.
Use Incognito Mode, VPNs, or Tor to mask your IP.
Disable post history and hide subscribed communities in privacy settings.
Bottom line: Reddit is as anonymous as you make it. With careful behavior, you can maintain strong privacy—but no online platform is fully anonymous.
My understanding is that it is anonymous, but I am wondering if people can find out who you are in some way or not? Is there anything I need to do on profile settings etc to protect my information?
Suppose I live in a country where free speech doesn't exist and I decided to bad mouth the govt on a throwaway reddit account, can my post be somehow traced back to my IP, MAC, etc if the Govt forces Reddit to give them the deets? What are the limits to Reddits anonymity (apart from me voluntarily disclosing identifiable information I mean)?
Does Reddit have a built-in anonymous posting feature?
No, Reddit doesn’t have a specific anonymous posting feature, but its username-based system and throwaway accounts provide similar functionality.
Can you post on Reddit without revealing your identity?
Yes, Reddit allows users to remain anonymous by using pseudonymous usernames and creating throwaway accounts for additional privacy.
Can Reddit moderators or admins see my identity?
Moderators cannot access personal details, but Reddit admins can see account information if needed for enforcing policies.
With the most recent wave of subreddit bans, I’m seeing a lot of user complaints that Reddit is “no longer anonymous.”
Is Reddit really anonymous for the average user? Was it ever?
I’ve been operating under the assumption that no, it is not truly anon and that if someone wanted to they could link your account to your identity. It’s just more complicated then it would be for Facebook.
Is this correct?
You're anon to your family, coworkers etc.. you aren't forced to use real name, profile picture and have your boss and neighbours snooping in your private life. In that way it is a whole lot better than fb. Anon to gov? Probably not.
It's pseudonymous, not anonymous. Once you reveal too much info about your pseudonym (your account), you become identifiable, and all the info reddit has about you can be assigned to your personal identity. So be careful what you post and change your accounts frequently.
Just wondering—to what extent can I stay anonymous on Reddit? Also, does Reddit collect our IP addresses? I feel like Reddit could be my safe space to express myself, and I just really don’t want any of my family or friends to find out I’m lurking here.
How anonymous are you on Reddit ? Can people find out your identity and is it easy to dox members? It seems more safe and anonymous thank other social media platforms but want to check