Reddit has created an exemption from its new API pricing terms that are unpopular for developers of accessibility apps. This could be a huge relief to some developers who were worried about the fees. It may also help users who rely on these apps to browse Reddit. Reddit won’t charge for data access as long as the apps are not commercial and “address accessibility requirements”.
Reddit’s Tim Rathschmidt, a spokesperson for the company, told that “we have connected with selected developers of noncommercial apps which address accessibility needs” and had offered them exemptions to our large-scale price terms.
Reddit users are in a tizzy over API pricing changes. They fear that developers will be forced to pay exorbitant fees and shut down. Christian Selig of Apollo, for instance, claims he will be on the hook to pay around $20 million per annum due to the new pricing. The moderators of the r/Blind Subreddit posted a extensive message three days ago protesting the price changes. This could be detrimental to screen reader apps like RedditForBlind or Luna for Reddit.
The mods stated that “this doesn’t just impact your ability access Reddit fluidly, customize it, and efficiently; many of us are blind and rely on these third-party apps to ensure this community remains safe, fun, productive, and a place where people can have a good time.” The mods added that the new Reddit app and the official Reddit applications “just don’t give us the accessibility levels we need to run this community effectively.”
Reddit has now made some concessions after the message was sent.
According to a post on r/Blind, the subreddit plans to shut down between June 12th and June 14th as a protest.
