Reddit vs Snap

Reddit ends RSS feeds and public API due to AI scraping

Reddit announced that it will discontinue support for RSS feeds starting November 13, 2026, citing the format's vulnerability to large-scale scraping and automated abuse. The company also revealed that its public API will be shut down by March 2027, impacting social listening tools, researchers, and AI assistants that rely on programmatic access to Reddit conversations. These moves are part of Reddit's broader efforts to protect its data and monetize it through AI licensing deals, which have become a profitable separate revenue stream. The company is recommending moderators migrate to its Discord Relay Devvit app, but acknowledges there is no direct replacement for general RSS use. Additionally, Reddit will restrict access to Old Reddit to logged-in moderators and users active in the past six months, and developers must register their apps by January 12, 2027.

• Reddit will end RSS feed support on November 13, 2026.
• Reddit's public API access will end by March 2027.
• Reddit's non-advertising revenue grew 24% year-over-year to $43 million in Q2 2026.

HBO Max Reddit Account Hacked for Ad Fraud

HBO Max's verified Reddit account was compromised by a hacker group, which ran 108 ad variations over two days before being detected. The malicious ads promoted fake HBO Max downloads and promos, using a lookalike domain 'hbomax.us' to deceive users into data harvesting. Reddit stated it locked the account, removed the ads, and is working with HBO Max to enhance security. Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO Max's parent, did not comment. The breach reportedly stemmed from a compromised employee account, highlighting ongoing ad account takeover risks. The article also notes similar issues on Google Ads and calls for platforms to notify users affected by scam ads.

• HBO Max's verified Reddit account was taken over by a hacker group.
• The attackers ran 108 ad variations targeting Reddit users.
• Malicious ads used domain 'hbomax.us' to trick users into data harvesting.

Reddit co-founder says tech industry tone deaf on AI risks

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian criticized the tech industry for being 'tone deaf' in explaining AI risks, saying misinformation is widespread. He argued the AI debate should focus on substantive risks rather than political point-scoring. His comments follow warnings from researchers at OpenAI and Anthropic about recursive self-improvement (RSI), where AI systems could build more advanced models, potentially leading to loss of human control. Ohanian believes risks are more mundane than 'Terminator' scenarios, and stressed the need for thoughtful conversation over slogans.

• Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder, told CNBC the tech industry has been 'pretty tone deaf' in explaining AI risks.
• Researchers at OpenAI and Anthropic have issued warnings about recursive self-improvement (RSI).
• Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned, accusing the companies of 'gambling with our lives'.

California governor vetoes bill banning 'pervert glasses' secret recording

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it illegal to secretly record people using wearable recording devices like smart glasses. Newsom argued the bill defined wearable recording devices too broadly, potentially causing unintended consequences, and that existing state laws already provide adequate protections. The bill aimed to address privacy concerns amid the rise of always-listening devices from companies like Meta and Snap, which have seen significant sales. If enacted, California would have been the first state to regulate smart glasses, with fines or prison time for violators. The decision comes as other countries, like Norway, are considering similar bans. Critics have dubbed such devices 'pervert glasses' following incidents of harassment. The veto means no new specific regulations for these wearables in California yet.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130 on October 1, 2026.
• The bill would have made it unlawful to secretly record people with wearable recording devices, with fines or prison time for violators.
• Newsom cited overly broad definitions and existing legal protections as reasons for the veto.

Colleen DeCourcy Builds In-House Creative at Sonos

Colleen DeCourcy, former CCO of Snap and agency veteran, joined Sonos as CMO in November 2025 to lead the brand's recovery from a botched app redesign. She is eschewing traditional agencies in favor of an in-house creative department and creator partnerships. Her first campaign, 'Feel the System', focuses on emotional benefits rather than specs. Sonos is also opening a 'creative cultural space' in New York for co-creation. DeCourcy aims to rebuild trust and brand recall, which suffered after the 2024 crisis.

• Colleen DeCourcy joined Sonos as CMO in November 2025.
• Sonos lost approximately $500 million in market cap and $100 million in revenue due to the 2024 app redesign crisis.
• DeCourcy's first campaign, 'Feel the System', launched in September 2026.

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