Reddit has recently implemented a controversial policy change that requires moderators to obtain permission from the platform before making certain adjustments to their subreddits, such as turning them private or marking them as not safe for work (NSFW). This decision comes in response to widespread user protests that occurred last year, during which moderators took action against Reddit's new API pricing by making thousands of subreddits private or limiting their content. The announcement was made by Reddit's VP of community, who emphasized that moderators must now seek approval for changes to what Reddit refers to as Community Types. This includes making subreddits restricted or changing their status from NSFW to safe for work (SFW). However, there are exceptions; for instance, moderators can still temporarily restrict posts and comments for up to seven days without prior approval. Additionally, requests from smaller subreddits—those with fewer than 5,000 members or less than 30 days old—will be automatically approved. The protests last year were triggered by Reddit's decision to charge significant fees for access to its API, which led to the closure of many popular third-party apps. In response, users turned subreddits private or limited their content, which prompted Reddit to take action against some moderators. The company has since acknowledged that another similar protest could have serious financial implications and has taken steps to prevent such actions from occurring again. Laura Nestler, the VP of community, noted that the ability for moderators to change subreddit settings had been misused in a way that could harm Reddit as a whole. The new policy aims to protect the platform's integrity and ensure that community access does not change unexpectedly. While Reddit still encourages users to voice their concerns, it has made it clear that protests that harm the platform will not be tolerated. The policy change has sparked backlash among users and moderators, with some feeling that it undermines their authority and reduces them to mere custodians of the platform. Critics argue that this move reflects Reddit's increasing focus on profitability and control, potentially alienating the very users who contribute to its content and community. As Reddit navigates its path toward profitability, particularly through advertising, it faces the challenge of balancing user feedback with its business objectives. The recent changes signal a shift in how the platform operates, leaving users to decide whether to adapt to these new rules or seek alternatives.