Reddit Tests New User Verification System
▼ Summary
– Reddit is beginning a limited alpha test of verified profiles, which will display a gray checkmark next to usernames in various parts of the site.
– The initial test group consists of selected public figures and trusted partners who must opt in, have accounts in good standing, and actively contribute.
– This verification does not grant any special privileges and is designed to add clarity for users and reduce manual verification work for moderators.
– Users cannot currently request verification, and existing “Official” labels for businesses will be replaced with the new gray checkmark.
– Reddit emphasizes that verification is voluntary and maintains its core principle of pseudonymity, aiming to provide a consistent way for individuals and businesses to identify themselves.
Reddit has begun a limited trial of a new user verification system, introducing a gray checkmark to help identify authentic accounts belonging to public figures and trusted partners. This move aims to provide clarity for the community and reduce the manual verification workload for volunteer moderators, while maintaining the platform’s foundational commitment to user pseudonymity. The feature is currently in an alpha testing phase with a select group and is not yet available for public requests.
The company announced that participants in this “limited alpha test” will see the distinctive gray checkmark displayed next to their usernames in various places across the site. This includes user profiles, community pages, feed listings, individual post pages, and search results. Reddit emphasizes that this verification is purely about establishing identity and “doesn’t grant special privileges” or special status within the platform’s ecosystem.
For the initial phase, Reddit has proactively chosen a specific set of individuals and organizations to participate. These testers must meet certain criteria: they need to opt into the program, maintain accounts in good standing with the site’s rules, and be active contributors on the platform. The selection focuses on public figures and trusted partners who have a visible presence in the community.
Notably, there is no application process open to the general user base at this time. The verification is by invitation only as Reddit evaluates the system’s functionality and community impact. Furthermore, the test affects existing official business accounts. Companies that previously received an “Official” label during a separate test in 2023 will now see that designation replaced by the new universal gray verification checkmark.
In its statement, Reddit reaffirmed that pseudonymity remains a core principle. The company framed its verification approach as voluntary, opt-in, and deliberately designed to avoid creating a hierarchy among users. The primary goals are to help regular users easily recognize authentic accounts and to alleviate the often tedious task moderators face when manually confirming someone’s identity. Reddit expressed hope that this pilot program will eventually create a standardized, reliable method for individuals and businesses who wish to clearly identify themselves on the platform.
(Source: The Verge)
