Reddit Accuses ‘Data Scraper’ Companies of Theft
Reddit Accuses ‘Data Scraper’ Companies of Theft
In a lawsuit, Reddit pulled back the curtain on an ecosystem of start-ups that scrape Google’s search results and resell the information to data-hungry A.I. companies.
Read the full article on NY Times Technology
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's central claim about Reddit suing data scrapers is supported by external sources. However, the specific claim about scraping Google's search results and reselling to AI companies requires further verification. The article exhibits moderate bias by framing data scraping as 'theft' without fully exploring the nuances of its legality.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Reddit sued data scraper companies.
- Verification Source #4: Reuters reports that Reddit sued the AI startup Anthropic for allegedly using data without permission in June 2025.
- Verification Source #2: vktr.com confirms that Anthropic is accused of massive data theft in a Reddit lawsuit.
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
- Claim: The data scrapers scrape Google's search results and resell the information to data-hungry A.I. companies.
- Verification Source #2: vktr.com mentions the scraping and reproduction of Reddit content to train AI models, but doesn't specifically mention Google's search results.
- Assessment: Partially supported. The claim about scraping for AI companies is supported, but the specific detail about scraping Google's search results is unverified by the provided sources.
- Claim: Reddit considers data a valuable asset.
- Verification Source #2: vktr.com quotes Reddit viewing data as a valuable asset and not a free training ground for AI companies.
- Assessment: Supported by one source.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Reuters reports that Reddit sued Anthropic for allegedly using data without permission (Source 4).
- vktr.com confirms the lawsuit and Reddit's view of data as a valuable asset (Source 2).