Reddit Implements Major Changes: Radical Shift in Moderator Landscape Unveiled

Reddit has started removing protesting moderators after a leaked warning emerged a few days ago. The social media forum faced severe criticism last week when it implemented a policy change regarding its Application Programming Interface (API). This software, which was originally provided free of charge to moderators, allows them to connect Reddit to third-party applications and enhance accessibility features on the platform. However, Reddit's new policy now requires users to pay for API access, creating challenges for moderators. In response, several popular gaming communities on Reddit have made their subreddits private as a form of protest.

Initially, Reddit did not take any action in response to the protests, as CEO Steve Huffman believed the situation would resolve itself over time. However, the protests have persisted, and while some previously closed subreddits have resumed activity, others continue to support the protest and remain inactive. Over the weekend, Reddit's higher management hinted at the possibility of removing protesting moderators for potential violations of the site's Moderator Code of Conduct policies if they do not return promptly.

This warning has sparked significant controversy, similar to the policy change that initiated the ongoing Reddit protests. Recently, the site has taken action to enforce its threat of removing participating moderators. According to an article by The Verge, the entire moderating team of r/MildlyInteresting experienced a temporary lockout from the site. This occurred after they designated their subreddit as NSFW (Not Safe For Work), which restricts Reddit's ability to generate revenue from the sub. However, the moderators have since been reinstated, following an inquiry made to a Reddit spokesperson regarding their removal.

In addition to switching subreddits to the NSFW setting, moderators have found other ways to express their dissatisfaction with Reddit's API policy decision. For example, users of the Pokemon Go subreddit have replaced discussions about the game with drawings of Pikachu and photos of talk show host John Oliver. Similarly, the Steam subreddit has taken a literal approach by posting about actual steam created from heating water. It is worth noting that Reddit's management has taken notice of these protest methods, with some moderators temporarily being removed from their posts for switching to the more private NSFW settings. Although these moderators have been reinstated, it is evident that Reddit is standing by its previous statement as the protest enters its second week.

Source: The Verge