Canadian Subreddits Join Blackout in Support of Indigenous Peoples.

Reddit Blackout: Why Thousands of Communities are Going Dark

Introduction

On Monday, June 12, 2023, tens of millions of Reddit users will be unable to access their favorite pages for at least two days. The blackout is part of a wider protest by Redditors against a move that could result in several third-party applications being shut down. The blackout is also serving as a platform for Indigenous activism in Canada. The protest is a significant event that has garnered attention and is worthy of discussion.

The Reason for the Blackout

Reddit has been making moves towards a more commercialized, centralized platform. Many Redditors believe that these changes will harm the website by limiting user-generated content and community involvement. Recently, Reddit announced that it plans to roll out a new application programming interface, or API, which will severely restrict the usage of third-party apps.

These third-party applications, such as Apollo or Reddit is Fun, are used by a significant percentage of Reddit’s user base. They provide features that users want and expect, such as enhanced notifications and a better browsing experience. However, with the new API, these apps are likely to be shut down, resulting in a significant loss in usability, convenience, and productivity for users.

Indigenous Activism

In Canada, the Reddit blackout is serving as a platform for Indigenous activism. The r/Indigenouspeoples subreddit and several other Indigenous-focused subreddits have gone black in honor of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The subreddit moderators are sharing information about these tragedies with those who visit the pages while they are blacked out.

Editorial and Advice

The Reddit blackout is a powerful statement by users who are passionate about the platform’s functionality and community involvement. However, it is also a reminder that online communities can influence the outside world. The blackout highlights the importance of ensuring that tech giants operate in a way that considers the needs and desires of their user base. As we become more reliant on tech companies, it is vital to keep them accountable and constantly push for a more open, equitable, and responsive online community.

Furthermore, the Indigenous activism on the website is another reminder of how the internet can be used positively. The r/Indigenouspeoples‘ blackout is a great example of how online communities can work to bring attention to significant issues. They serve as platforms for education, awareness-raising, and activism.

We advise Reddit to hear users’ concerns and aspirations for the community and open up more channels for community and user feedback. We recommend that Reddit be more agile and creative with its approach to monetization and should avoid damaging the community’s culture and authenticity. Finally, we encourage Reddit users to continue speaking out and using their platforms to effect real change in the world.