Reddit has announced that it will update its newly revised API terms to carve out an exception for accessibility apps. This move comes after the social news and discussion website revealed new API terms that would put most third-party app developers out of business due to high fees.
A Blow to Third-Party App Developers
The new API pricing would have charged developers $1 per user, with a 5% fee for each post, comment, and other interactions. This would result in significant costs for many developers, making it difficult or even impossible for them to continue running their businesses.
For example, the developer of the popular Reddit app Apollo estimated that he would need to pay around $20 million per year to continue operating his business under the new terms. However, as the app doesn’t generate revenue, this would be a significant financial burden.
The Protest: A Show of Support for Accessibility Apps
In response to the new API pricing, several Reddit communities announced that they would go dark in protest from June 12th to June 14th. The /Blind subreddit, which has over 1 million subscribers, was one of the first to organize a protest. They were joined by other top subreddits, including r/aww, r/videos, r/Futurology, and many others.
Reddit’s Exception for Accessibility Apps
According to The Verge, Reddit spokesperson Tim Rathschmidt confirmed that the company would update its API terms to carve out an exception for accessibility apps. These apps provide users with disabilities a way to browse and use Reddit, and they are essential tools for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Rathschmidt stated that Reddit has "connected with select developers of non-commercial apps that address accessibility needs and offered them exemptions from our large-scale pricing terms."
The List of Accessibility Apps
The /Blind community is now organizing a list of apps that would qualify for an exception under the new exception. This includes screen readers like Reddit for Blind, Luna for Reddit, Dystopia, BaconReader, and other general-purpose apps that take advantage of iOS accessibility APIs or add accessible features.
However, it’s worth noting that Reddit will likely only focus on apps designed to address accessibility needs rather than general-purpose apps like Apollo. The developer of Apollo, Christian Selig, has expressed concerns about the new terms, stating that he had not received a direct response from Reddit regarding his queries.
Reddit’s Response: A Lack of Clarity
The /Blind community moderator MostlyBlindGamer shared that they have received no clarification from Reddit on how they are defining "accessibility-focused apps" or any process around having apps qualify under the new exception. This lack of clarity has raised concerns among developers and users alike.
Conclusion
Reddit’s decision to update its API terms to carve out an exception for accessibility apps is a welcome move. However, it raises questions about how the company will define "accessibility-focused apps" and what criteria they will use to determine which apps qualify under the new exception.
As the debate around accessibility in tech continues to grow, Reddit’s decision provides a glimmer of hope for developers and users who rely on these essential tools.
