Multiple subreddits have gone inactive as a form of protest against Reddit’s new API pricing. Participants argue that the new policy will result in exorbitant hosting costs for their groups. Additionally, the new rule prohibits in-app advertising, which could help offset these expenses. Consequently, a Reddit blackout is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 14, 2023. With approximately 50 million daily active users and a billion monthly active users, Reddit has become a crucial platform for accessing information, connecting with like-minded individuals, and providing other services. To fully grasp the significance of this issue, it is important to delve deeper into the ongoing Reddit blackout. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the blackout, highlight some of the major subreddits that have postponed their services to protest the pricing policy, and most importantly, explain how this shutdown affects users.
Why is Reddit initiating a blackout?
Reddit recently made the announcement that it would begin charging third-party apps for access to their API. API, short for Application Programming Interface, serves as a means for two different programs to interact. Apps like Apollo and Rif heavily rely on this API to fetch specific data from Reddit in order to fulfill user requests and enhance the platform’s overall user experience. While charging for API access is not a novel concept, Twitter has previously implemented a subscription fee for its API, these new costs pose a significant challenge for some app developers. In fact, according to Lifehacker, one of the developers of Apollo stated that the changes would result in an annual expense of $20 million, which they cannot afford. Furthermore, the company provided only a few months’ notice regarding the changes, leaving developers with limited time to adjust their business models. The timing of this protest is particularly notable as it is occurring shortly after the company terminated 5% of its workforce. The protest organizers have declared that the blackout will extend until June 14, 2023, and may continue in some form if the pricing change is not revoked. Numerous subreddits with millions of users have joined the protest, including popular ones such as r/funny with over 40 million users, r/Music, r/Pics, and more with over 30 million users. Despite the outcry from users, the company has not reversed its decision as of now.
How does the Reddit blackout impact users?
Many users rely on third-party applications such as Apollo to browse Reddit, as the platform’s proprietary mobile app is often considered glitchy and cumbersome. If developers decide to abandon their apps due to the imposed pricing changes, these applications could be discontinued. Reddit has expanded beyond being a simple online message board, offering essential services in various communities. For instance, the r/Blind subreddit employs the API to assist visually-impaired moderators in managing their subreddits. This subreddit has also participated in the protest, meaning that their services could potentially be halted. Some Reddit users might believe that the blackout does not affect them because they do not utilize third-party apps, but in reality, the blackout impacts everyone on the platform. Despite the administration’s stubbornness, it has a direct influence on the overall user experience on the platform. Inaccessibility to the majority of popular subreddits severely limits online traffic. Additionally, if moderators are unable to continue earning from users, they might choose to close their groups. While Reddit does not compensate moderators, they play a vital role in enforcing rules, eliminating spam, managing off-topic posts, handling disruptive users, and moderating sensitive content. Losing these moderators would undermine the reliability of the platform, causing a significant number of users to abandon Reddit altogether. Consequently, the Reddit blackout could potentially mark the end of this influential online forum.
Final thoughts
As of now, Reddit moderators have suspended their subreddits to protest against the company’s plan to charge for API access. Further updates regarding this issue are yet to be announced. For more information on the Reddit blackout, you can visit the r/explainlikeimfive page or the Old Reddit page, which provides an expanding list of online protestors. Additionally, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman provides his perspective on the matter through an AMA (Ask Me Anything) page. Stay updated on the latest digital tips and trends by visiting Inquirer Tech.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
