r/cybersecurity to Temporarily Go Private in Response to Reddit’s API Changes
In a decisive move, the r/cybersecurity community will temporarily transition to a private status from June 12th to June 14th. This decision comes as a collective response to Reddit’s recent alterations regarding their API and the subsequent impact on third-party applications.
After carefully reviewing the community’s feedback through various channels, including our recent discussion post, it has become clear that a significant majority are concerned about Reddit’s decision to restrict API access and to eliminate third-party applications. As a result, we are preparing to participate in a 48-hour blackout unless these changes are reconsidered.
During this blackout, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. We strongly encourage community members to refrain from visiting Reddit during this period. This action underscores our commitment to advocating for a modification or reversal of the recent policy changes.
We invite all members to share their thoughts on how to utilize the blackout period effectively. Suggestions might include limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternative platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or fostering a general discussion thread for community engagement. The direction of our protest ultimately rests with the community, and we are eager to hear your ideas.
Reddit’s response remains uncertain; they may choose to amend their decisions or take further actions that could exacerbate the situation, such as dismissing moderators or mandating that the subreddit remains public. Regardless of the outcome, we are honored to serve this community and will continue to advocate for your best interests.
For additional insights into the ongoing situation and its implications, please check out the following resources:
- Infographic on API Changes: Concise Visual Overview
- Community Discussion on API Restrictions: Don’t Let Reddit Kill 3rd Party Apps
- Open Letter Addressing API Pricing: State of Affairs Regarding API
- List of Participating Communities in the Blackout: [Growing List of Major Communities](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/140
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Thank you for sharing this important update. If you’re experiencing issues accessing or managing your subreddit during the blackout period, ensure that you have the appropriate moderator permissions and have the latest version of your moderation tools. To prepare for the temporary inaccessibility, consider exporting your subreddit data, such as posts and comments, using third-party tools or Reddit’s API before June 12th, especially if you plan to review or archive content.
If you’re involved in community engagement and discussion planning during this protest, platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky can be integrated to maintain your community interactions. Additionally, consider scheduling announcements or instructions for community members who might need guidance during the blackout. For technical assistance, verifying your moderator tools and API access settings beforehand can help ensure smooth management during the temporary pause.
Feel free to reach out if you need help exporting subreddit data or setting up alternative communication channels.