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Reddit will block the Internet Archive
(www.theverge.com)
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this post was submitted on 11 Aug 2025
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Is that even possible?
Technologically no. Reddit sends out the data to 10s of millions of users as part of their normal operations. They need to try to block those who collect that data for the IA. Reddit has the very short end of the stick.
The problem is that evading such counter-measures may be criminal in the US. Obviously, EU laws are much harsher.
I don't know their take-down policy. Could be privacy, could be copyright.
I think they are shielded by Section 230 under US law. That means, if they don't do take-downs when requested, they become liable just like the original uploader. So it depends on whether they think they can defend something as fair use. IDK what they do with requests under non-US laws.
Hmm. There are many things that could cause legal trouble for the Wayback Machine. I wouldn't jump to conclusions.
You can see on Lemmy that many people would prefer to outlaw scraping, fair use, and all that. Well, not for the "good guys" obviously, but the law doesn't work on vibes. The IA would be legally impossible in most countries. In the EU, it would be a major crime because of copyright and GDPR. It's only the traditional US commitment to free speech and fair use that makes it possible at all.
The IA exists in a legally precarious position. That's not because of any shady backroom dealing. If the crowd in this community had its way, it would be gone.
It is still "intellectual property". Maybe the policy is to just oblige removal requests if the content doesn't seem to be of public interest. Cause why not, right? Look at all the people here on Lemmy angry that their worthless posts are scraped or deleting them on Reddit. Obliging takedown requests is certainly the path of least resistance.