Reddit v. Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens - Data Protection Proceedings

Dutch DPA News

Filed March 5th, 2026

Detected March 6th, 2026

Summary

The District Court in The Hague rejected Reddit's legal claims against the Dutch data protection authority (AP) regarding an investigation into unlawful personal data processing. The AP is continuing its investigation into whether Reddit unlawfully shared user data with algorithm developers.

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What changed

The District Court in The Hague has ruled against Reddit in summary proceedings initiated against the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Dutch data protection authority. Reddit sought to challenge the AP's investigation into the alleged unlawful processing of personal data, specifically the sharing or selling of user data to algorithm developers. The company requested disclosure of all information held by the AP and sought to preserve certain information under legal professional privilege. The judge rejected all of Reddit's claims, finding that the AP had not received privileged information and would not disclose details of the ongoing investigation.

The AP's investigation into Reddit's data processing practices will continue. If the AP concludes that violations have occurred, it may impose sanctions. This ruling signifies a setback for Reddit in its attempt to halt or limit the AP's investigation and highlights the potential for data protection authorities to scrutinize the use of personal data for AI training. Companies operating within the EU should be aware of ongoing investigations and potential enforcement actions related to data privacy.

What to do next

Review data sharing practices with third parties, particularly for AI training.
Ensure compliance with GDPR regarding the processing and potential sale of user data.
Monitor ongoing investigations by data protection authorities into data processing for algorithmic purposes.

Penalties

If the AP concludes that the law has been violated, it may impose a sanction.

Source document (simplified)

Judge rules in summary proceedings Reddit v. AP

05 March 2026 On Wednesday March 5th, the District Court in The Hague ruled in summary proceedings initiated by Reddit against the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Dutch data protection authority. The judge rejected all of Reddit's legal claims.

The court's ruling has been made public.

In 2025, the AP launched an investigation into the possible unlawful processing of personal data by Reddit. The reason for this was the AP learning that the personal data of Reddit users was allegedly being shared or sold to algorithms developers to train these algorithms.

Preservation of investigation material

Reddit then initiated summary proceedings against the AP. The company wanted the court to rule on whether, during its investigation, the AP had received legal professional privilege information from Reddit (such as confidential communication between a client and their attorney). Reddit also sought disclosure of all information AP holds regarding Reddit and wanted to preserve this information with the court. The AP indicated it does not have any information that is subject to legal professional privilege and, in the interests of the investigation, the AP cannot disclose exactly what information is included in the investigation. The judge rejected all of Reddit's requests.

Continued

The AP is conducting an investigation. Reddit may thereby conclude that the law has not been violated. If the AP does conclude that the law has been violated, it may impose a sanction.

About Reddit

Reddit is an American social media platform where users can share knowledge and information. The platform and the information contained therein are public and freely accessible. Reddit is used daily by millions of people across the world. Reddit's European office is located in the Netherlands.