about 50% content is like this, no matter what view you select. I think /r/pics has the right idea; it is so dominating. Other subs should change their post to be like this (with their own messages) I think.
Also, what sub did spez mod in 2008?
GDPR is absolutely not applicable here. Their platform, their rules when it comes to what people can and can't post (with the exception of personal information, that is covered by GDPR). If tomorrow they decide that commenting the word "Banana" is a bannable offence, they're well within their rights.