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

From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily go private as a form of protest against Reddit’s recent API modifications and the decision to phase out third-party applications.

Following a thorough review of community feedback on a recent discussion post and through modmail, it is clear that a significant majority of community members are in favor of urging Reddit to reconsider these changes. As a result, should Reddit not reverse its decision regarding the API restrictions, r/cybersecurity will participate in a 48-hour blackout.

During this blackout, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. Community members are also encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during this period. After the blackout, we will reach out for your thoughts on the next steps—whether to extend the protest or pursue alternative actions. Your voice matters in shaping the community’s response.

We welcome your suggestions on activities that could take place during the blackout. Ideas might include limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternative social media platforms such as Mastodon or Bluesky, or creating general discussion threads within the community.

As we approach this critical juncture, it’s uncertain how Reddit might respond. They may choose to revoke their proposed changes, which would restore trust, or take further actions that could erode it further, such as removing our moderation team or keeping the subreddit public against our wishes. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve and support this community.

For further insight into the situation and the implications of these API changes, we invite you to explore the following resources:

Thank you for your

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