Reddit communities permit NSFW content to oppose API updates

The blackout on Reddit might be ending. However, the protest is not. In response to Reddit’s API changes, several subreddits went into a blackout. However, it seems to not have impacted the company. As of now, the subreddits have found a new way of protest. As per the latest information, some of the subreddits have marked them as NSFW (not safe for work). Using this approach, the subreddits are accepting adult content in their communities. In response to this situation, the company has removed moderators of some of these subreddits.

Reportedly, a total of 8,000 subreddits went into the dark last week. To monetize its data, which tech companies use to train their generative AI technologies, Reddit has placed its APIs behind a paywall. However, the amount of money it is requesting is excessive for third-party Reddit apps that depend on those APIs to function. In actuality, the majority of those applications are closing. Some moderation tools are also broken by the recent API upgrades.

The community of the platform is not happy with the recent changes. They held a major protest on June 12 where thousands of subreddits went private. Although it was two days planned blackout which eventually extended for infinite time in response to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman’s statement. He called this protest a noise that will pass. The CEO told the employees that the company’s revenue won’t be impacted by these changes so they shouldn’t worry.

Followed by this, the company threatened moderators to end the protest or they will be removed from the platform. Most of the subreddits have opened since this threat and now only 3,000 subreddits are private. However, it seems like they ended the protest just to start it in a new way. Such a move could affect the company’s revenue given the fact that NSFW subreddits are not qualified for advertising.

Communities on Reddit are attempting to steal the business’ ad revenue

As per the information from The Verge, the subreddits marked as NSFW include r/interestingasfuck, r/TIHI (Thanks, I Hate It), r/ShittyLifeProTips, and r/mildlyinteresting. Most of them are featuring NSFW content. The moderators of these subreddits have been removed or suspended as a result of Reddit’s response. Some of them have since been reinstated, but others have had their moderator privileges totally or temporarily removed.

It doesn’t appear that Reddit is affected by these protests. The company is not willing to back the API changes. For sure, monetization of its data holds its worth for the company. However, the company is showing no sign of flexibility to developers who have to end their projects.