Social platform remains resolute in imposing data charges on third-party tool developers
Reddit’s clash with its users regarding new access fees will extend beyond the initially scheduled two-day protest, as numerous volunteer moderators have pledged to uphold the blackout indefinitely.
Despite the campaign, the social network, which plans to impose substantial data charges on third-party tool developers that enable browsing the site, asserts its unwavering commitment to proceed with its intended course of action.
The implementation of these new fees, applicable to any service utilizing Reddit’s tools or API to access information, aims to monetize the platform’s popularity among artificial intelligence researchers who utilize the database for training purposes, including tools like GPT-4.
According to a Reddit spokesperson speaking to The Guardian, there are no planned modifications to the previously announced API updates. The spokesperson emphasized that Reddit is actively engaging with various communities to address any confusion regarding data API terms, platform-wide policies, community support resources, and the timeline for new moderator tools.
The spokesperson further explained the rationale behind the data charges, stating, “Expansive access to data has impact and costs involved; we spend multimillions of dollars on hosting fees, and Reddit needs to be fairly compensated in order to continue supporting high-usage third-party apps.”
They clarified that the majority of API users will not be required to pay for access, as not all third-party app usage necessitates paid access. The Reddit data API can be used freely within the specified rate limits as long as the apps are not monetized. Access to the API remains free for moderator tools and bots.
The unwavering stance of the site has led certain moderators to declare their intention to prolong the blackout indefinitely.
Expressing their perspective, a user named SpicyThunder335, who moderates six subreddits, including the forum organizing the protest, stated, “Reddit has made minuscule concessions, but our primary concerns remain unaddressed. Furthermore, these concessions were made prior to the blackout’s commencement, and Reddit has maintained silence since then. Over 300 subreddits have already committed to staying private or inaccessible until Reddit offers a satisfactory resolution, prepared for an indefinite duration.
Several subreddits, including high-profile ones such as r/aww, r/music, r/videos, and r/futurology, with over 10 million subscribers each, have affirmed their commitment to continue the protest by maintaining restricted access for new users. However, there are thousands of subreddits that remain undecided, even as the blackout period nears its conclusion. Notably, subreddits like r/funny, r/science, and r/mildlyinteresting, boasting over 20 million subscribers each, are currently set as private.
