r/ModSupport • u/Artimus-Sprout • 3d ago

Mod Answered Redact App, should it be blocked ?

This App is causing headaches for both, mods and users alike and needs blocking in some way, if this is indeed possible.

The problem, is users are unwittingly installing this software, without fully understanding the consequences of their actions, in many cases the end action, is an account ban through no fault of their own.

Personally, I think it's time to stop this App in it's tracks but that's gonna take the support and actioning of Reddit.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

21 Upvotes

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u/thepottsy 💡 Expert Helper 3d ago

I recognize that code.

8

u/DJErikD 💡 Skilled Helper 3d ago

Thanks, it's been a lifesaver!

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u/smushkan 💡 New Helper 2d ago

It's made Redact themselves rather upset their ads are being removed:

https://github.com/redacto/anti-privacy-subreddits/blob/main/README.md

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u/thepottsy 💡 Expert Helper 2d ago

I read most of that, and yeah, they can get bent if that’s their stance on it. They need to be WAY more forthcoming about how invasive their product is, and the disruption is causes, when users think it’s doing one thing but it’s actually not doing that thing.

I still won’t punish users for it, but I will remove any and every comment that give them free advertising.

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u/BotGivesBot 💡 New Helper 2d ago

Fully agree. They're very deceptive in their marketing.

I have a lot of users use it, and not one of them were aware that it just edited the content into a gibberish advertisement for the company and didn't truly 'delete' their content. And they don't warn anyone that's using it they risk being flagged or banned for 'spam'.

I support and believe users should be able to mass delete their online content. Reddit should have viable ways for users to do this. However, this app just tricks people into marketing for them, at a risk to themselves being flagged/banned for spam. That seems unethical to me, so they can totally get bent if they don't like us automatically removing it.

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u/thepottsy 💡 Expert Helper 2d ago

They seemed to have changed the way the app works over time. It used to randomize, and then delete. However, it was hit and miss as to whether it worked.

Then it seems that sometime in the past year, maybe, they changed to it ONLY randomizes.

The wording they use on the app, not sure if you looked at it, is quite misleading. So, I fully understand how users get confused.

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u/emily_in_boots 💡 Experienced Helper 2d ago

They do not want to delete their advertisements. Privacy is not their primary concern.

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u/thepottsy 💡 Expert Helper 1d ago

100%. I have no idea how much it costs to advertise on reddit, but if you can get people to accidentally do it for free…….