Popular subreddits are taking their protest against Reddit’s upcoming API changes to a whole new level, with comedian John Oliver becoming their unexpected mascot. Following a recent community vote, r/pics, a subreddit boasting a staggering 30 million members, has implemented a quirky rule change. The subreddit, previously limited to images of John Oliver, now permits users to post “any and all media featuring John Oliver.” The announcement further declares that r/pics will henceforth be known as r/PICS: “Posts Illuminating Comedian’s Sexiness.”
These alterations are the latest development in a wave of dissent that began when 6,500 subreddits went dark last week. The blackout was staged to express opposition to Reddit’s decision to charge third-party developers for API access, a move seen as an attempt to monetize the platform at the expense of smaller applications. While many subreddits protested in various creative ways, a notable number adopted a John Oliver-themed approach, which the comedian himself has acknowledged and embraced.
Although the changes on r/PICS have only been in effect for a short time, users have wasted no time in expressing their creativity. Examples of their imaginative contributions include a 2,000-word piece of “sensual” fan fiction depicting Oliver’s love affair with the Loch Ness Monster and an AI-generated image showcasing the comedian as a character in Grand Theft Auto.
As the protests continue, Reddit has taken steps to disrupt the movement. Recently, the platform removed some moderators who marked their communities as NSFW (Not Safe for Work) to eliminate ads. Despite the mounting resistance, Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, remains resolute in his refusal to alter the API plans. The ongoing standoff between Reddit and its passionate user base suggests that further surprises and unconventional actions may be on the horizon.
