/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23985505/acastro_STK024_01.jpg "Several moderators behind the latest protests were initially removed by Reddit, later restored")
In a recent move to crack down on subreddits that switched to the Not Safe For Work (NSFW) label, Reddit has started removing moderator teams. By tagging a subreddit as NSFW, Reddit restricts access to logged-in users on mobile devices and applies an age gate for desktop viewers, as well as removing ads. This impacts Reddit’s ability to monetize these communities, which goes against their plan to charge apps for API usage. One example of a subreddit that went NSFW is r/MildlyInteresting, following similar actions taken by r/interestingasfuck and r/TIHI.
Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, expressed his perspective, stating that the majority of Reddit users contribute and are monetized through ads or Reddit Premium. He questions why they should subsidize a small group while not offering the same benefits to others who contribute to Reddit. This led to the removal of the moderators who incorrectly labeled their communities as NSFW, as it violates Reddit’s Content Policy and Moderator Code of Conduct.
Update: After our initial publication, the r/MildlyInteresting mods reported that their accounts were reinstated by a different admin. The Verge also received comments from other r/MildlyInteresting mods confirming their reinstatement. However, Reddit declined to provide official confirmation. The actions taken by Reddit caused concern among users as it affected their access to communities.
According to information from r/ModCoord, the moderators of r/MildlyInteresting proceeded with switching the sub to NSFW after a user vote. However, after the switch, the mods were logged out of their accounts and locked out. It was determined that Reddit administrators, not the mods, were involved in this process. Another mod attempted to post an update and a Reddit admin account removed the post and reverted the sub back to restricted access. Subsequently, the second moderator was also logged out and locked out. The former r/MildlyInteresting mod claims that the entire mod team was removed but later reinstated.
While r/MildlyInteresting was able to regain their mods, other newly NSFW subs such as r/interestingasfuck, r/TIHI, and r/ShittyLifeProTips remain without moderators. This removal of mods is a significant action by Reddit, impacting unpaid volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to managing these communities. Some mods expressed feeling threatened by messages from the company, indicating that uncooperative mods would be removed. As a result, the future of these communities may be uncertain.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
