Last year, in response to Reddit's API changes, many subreddits switched from public to private or designated themselves as NSFW (Not Safe for Work) to affect advertising on the platform. To mitigate such changes, Reddit is implementing new rules that require moderators to submit a request when altering a community’s status to public or private or adjusting its maturity rating between SFW (Safe for Work) and NSFW.

According to the social networking site, these changes take effect today and will primarily impact larger communities. Reddit noted that requests to switch community types will be automatically approved if the community is under 30 days old or has fewer than 5,000 members.

For other communities, an admin will respond to the request within 24 hours. Reddit assures users that it has sufficient human resources to handle these requests around the clock throughout the year.

Additionally, moderators of subreddits can temporarily restrict post and comment contributions for up to seven days without needing approval for specific events to prevent misuse. However, any permanent changes of this nature will require moderators to submit a request.

Reddit clarified on r/modnews that the intent behind this update is to prevent disruption on the platform or violations of its rules. The company stressed that this update is not aimed at stopping users from protesting.

Furthermore, Reddit mentioned that it shared this update in advance with the Mod Council, which includes over 100 moderators from various subreddits, to gather their feedback and advice.