Thousands of Subreddits Blackout to Protest Reddit's New API Pricing
Reddit faces massive backlash as thousands of subreddits go dark to protest new fees for API access that force third-party apps to shut down. The ongoing protest includes creative workarounds and moderator removals by Reddit administrators.
A major controversy unfolds as Reddit implements new paid requirements for its application programming interface, which previously operated for free since 2008. The abrupt pricing change forces popular third-party applications, including the widely used Apollo client, to shut down completely. This decision also creates significant roadblocks for essential accessibility tools and community moderation software.
In response to the new fees, moderators of over 7,000 subreddits coordinate a massive blackout from June 12 to 14 by making their communities private or restricting all posts. When Reddit CEO Steve Huffman releases an internal memo pushing back against the protests, many moderators choose to extend the blackout indefinitely. The coordinated action draws direct comparisons to a labor strike as users fight to protect their community tools.
Following the initial blackout period, participants develop alternative forms of protest to continue applying pressure on the platform. Users in major subreddits like r/pics and r/gifs vote to exclusively post content about comedian John Oliver, while other communities intentionally label themselves as not safe for work to disrupt Reddit's advertising revenue. Reddit administrators retaliate by removing entire moderation teams for violating content policies, though they eventually reinstate several of these groups as the standoff persists.