12-6-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Today, a widespread blackout on Reddit is set to take place, as thousands of communities make themselves inaccessible in protest against the way the social media platform is being managed.
According to a report by the BBC, developers and Reddit users alike are expressing their dissatisfaction with recent announcements made by the company. Specifically, Reddit’s introduction of controversial fees for developers of third-party apps, which are commonly used to browse the platform, has sparked outrage. In response, moderators of some of the largest subreddits have decided to make their communities private for a period of nearly 48 hours as a form of protest.
The report reveals that this backlash will render almost 3,500 subreddits inaccessible to the majority of users. For those unfamiliar, a subreddit is essentially a dedicated forum within the Reddit platform, where individuals come together to discuss specific interests or topics.
Unlike other social media platforms, Reddit heavily relies on community moderation. It employs thousands of unpaid moderators who work diligently to ensure the smooth functioning of the site. These moderators play a crucial role in keeping subreddits free from off-topic discussions, banned content, and spam.
In response to the protest, Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, expressed his respect for the actions taken by users and communities to raise their concerns. He acknowledged the need for an open and accessible environment on Reddit, stating, “We are all responsible for ensuring Reddit provides an open accessible place for people to find community and belonging.”
