Google obtains license to Reddit’s content for enhancing its AI Training

Google has signed an agreement with Reddit to use its vast swathe of user-generated content to help train Google’s AI algorithms, according to an announcement by both companies. The agreement gives Google access to Reddit’s Data API, which will help the search engine company to better understand and utilize content from Reddit.

The deal also offers Google a rich source of content to hone its AI models. Specifically, the structured access to fresh information, as well as improved signals, will aid Google to understand Reddit content better, display it appropriately, and otherwise use it in ways that are most accurate and relevant, as per a company statement.

Last year, when Reddit disclosed plans to charge developers for API usage, it led to the closure of numerous third-party Reddit clients and widespread protests where thousands of Reddit sub-channels or “subreddits” temporarily shut down in response. Reddit defended the move, arguing it was necessary as large AI firms were unauthorizedly scraping its data free of charge. It noted that its agreement with Google, however, wouldn’t alter its Data API Terms or Developer Terms, maintaining free API access for non-commercial usage.

The timing of the deal coincides with Reddit’s plans to go public in the upcoming weeks. While the details of the arrangement have not been openly disclosed by Google or Reddit, Bloomberg reported last week that Reddit had negotiated a licensing deal with a major AI company, estimated to be worth roughly $60 million annually. Reuters, the first to reveal Google’s collaboration, ratified this figure.