Redlib

Redlib is an open-source, self-hosted web application that serves as a private front-end for browsing Reddit. It allows users to access content without ads, tracking, or the requirement of JavaScript. The software is deployed as a server-side proxy, meaning all requests, including media, are routed through the host server to protect the user's identity and prevent direct connections between the browser and the source platform.

The application is designed for users who want to consume Reddit content while maintaining a high degree of privacy. It can be deployed using Docker, Podman, or as a standalone binary, making it accessible for various server environments. It implements the majority of Reddit's signed-out functionality, enabling the browsing of subreddits and posts without the need for a registered account or a login session.

Key features

• No JavaScript, ads, or tracking
• Proxying of all requests and media through the server
• Content Security Policy to prevent browser requests to Reddit
• OAuth token spoofing to mimic Android clients and avoid rate limits
• Automatic token refreshing every 24 hours
• Mimicking of official app HTTP headers
• Support for multiple architectures including amd64, arm64, and armv7

Redlib is written in Rust for memory safety and speed, utilizing the Hyper HTTP server and client along with the Askama templating engine. It uses Rustls for TLS. To avoid rate limits and potential crackdowns, the software emulates the behavior of the official Android application by sending specific headers and managing authentication tokens. In production mode, the server does not log user activity, and it uses optional cookies only for storing local user settings, ensuring that no personal data is collected or tracked across sites.

This software provides a privacy-focused interface for reading public forum content without the bloat of the original platform.