r/Cybersecurity to Go Private: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

In response to overwhelming community sentiment, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily shift to a private status from June 12th to June 14th. This decision comes as a protest against Reddit’s recent modifications to its API policies, which have significant implications for third-party applications.

The feedback we’ve gathered indicates a strong desire among our members for Reddit to reconsider or revise its current stance on third-party app access. In light of this, unless Reddit reverts its decision, our subreddit will engage in a 48-hour blackout. Should Reddit maintain their position, we will seek community input on our next steps—whether to extend the protest, explore alternative actions, or otherwise.

During the blackout, access to the subreddit will be restricted for new members and unauthenticated users. We strongly encourage all community members to refrain from visiting Reddit during this period. We welcome your ideas on how we can make the most of this protest—for instance, should we limit new posts and comments, introduce discussions about alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or perhaps establish a general chat thread? Your input is invaluable.

The outcome of our protest remains uncertain. Reddit could choose to reverse its policies, or it might take more drastic measures that could further erode trust, such as dismissing moderators or enforcing continued public access to our subreddit. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this community.

For those seeking further insights into the situation, we have compiled several resources for your reference:

• A Brief Infographic on the API Changes (credit to r/videos)
• Don’t Let Reddit Kill 3rd Party Apps
• An Open Letter Addressing API Pricing and Its Impact
• List of Major Reddit Communities Joining the Blackout

Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your continued support as we navigate these challenging changes together.