Numerous Reddit communities, some boasting millions of members, including one for Taylor Swift, are going offline in a 48-hour blackout to protest against impending charges for accessing the platform's API (Application Programming Interface).
The charge, which Reddit has not priced publicly, will be imposed starting June 19, impacting third-party developers who operate alternative Reddit apps like Apollo, Relay, and Narwhal.
Reddit's defence emphasises the need for fair compensation due to significant hosting fees and the potential for developers to streamline their API calls.
Some communities, like those dedicated to music and gaming, solicited member opinions before joining the blackout, while others are pondering their next moves post-blackout if Reddit remains firm on the new pricing policy.