Reddit, the popular online platform known for its communities and discussions, is cracking down on a new form of protest called the Not Safe For Work (NSFW) switch. Some subreddits had recently switched to NSFW as a way to protest Reddit’s treatment of moderators and upcoming API pricing changes. However, a Reddit admin, ModCodeofConduct, stated that this action is “inappropriate” and against the rules.
In a post on Wednesday, ModCodeofConduct emphasized that changing a previously Safe For Work (SFW) community to NSFW for protest purposes is not acceptable. Such a move may result in violations of Reddit policies by “incorrectly marking your community,” which can lead to warnings or removal of the subreddit.
Switching a community to NSFW brings about several changes. First, users must confirm they are 18 years or older before accessing a subreddit. Additionally, users must be logged into the mobile app to view the community on mobile devices. Moreover, NSFW subreddits are not eligible for advertising, which limits engagement and negatively impacts Reddit’s revenue generation capabilities.
Reddit’s crackdown on the NSFW switch has been effective. Subreddits like r/formula1, r/HomeKit, and r/HomePod, which were previously marked as NSFW, no longer carry the label. According to a moderator from r/formula1, the removal of the NSFW label was prompted by “terse threats” from u/ModCodeOfConduct.
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The mod claims to have received a message from ModCodeOfConduct requesting the correction of the NSFW marking on the subreddit. The reason given was to separate their community from those engaging in sexually explicit behavior and to avoid being seen as complicit. This incident has led the r/formula1 mod to step down due to their dissatisfaction with Reddit’s handling of API changes, the tone used by CEO Steve Huffman in interviews, and the approach taken by u/ModCodeOfConduct.
Another moderator from the r/HomeKit and r/HomePod communities mentioned that they switched their subreddits back to SFW after witnessing disciplinary actions, such as suspensions, taken against moderators of larger subreddits that had been marked NSFW. This mod clarified that they made the decision to switch to NSFW alone without the collaboration of the respective communities.
The crackdown on the NSFW switch by Reddit appears to be a response to the protest tactics employed by certain subreddit communities. By removing the NSFW label, Reddit aims to prevent any association between SFW communities and sexually explicit or inappropriate content. This action also serves to ensure that moderators are not seen as supporting or enabling such behavior.
However, this crackdown has also faced criticism from some users and moderators who see it as an infringement on the platform’s commitment to free expression and protest. They argue that the NSFW switch was not harmful or offensive but rather a peaceful form of symbolic protest against Reddit’s policies and actions.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between platforms like Reddit and their user communities. While platforms aim to enforce their rules and guidelines, users seek to express their dissatisfaction and hold platforms accountable through various means, including protest actions. Finding a balance between maintaining order and respecting user voices remains a challenge for online platforms.
In conclusion, Reddit’s crackdown on the NSFW switch as a form of protest reflects the platform’s intention to maintain order and prevent associations with inappropriate content. However, this approach has faced backlash from some users and moderators who view it as a restriction on free expression. The ongoing tension between platforms and users underscores the complexities of managing online communities and facilitating meaningful discourse.
