r/Cybersecurity to Go Private in Protest of Reddit’s API Policy

From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily transition to private status as a form of protest against Reddit’s recent modifications to its API, which effectively hinder the functionality of third-party applications.

Following a thorough review of community feedback on our recent post and through direct communication channels, it has become abundantly clear that the majority of our members feel strongly about opposing these changes. As such, if Reddit does not reconsider its decision regarding the API and the restrictions imposed on third-party applications, we will proceed with a 48-hour blackout period.

During this blackout, the subreddit will not be available for new members or unauthenticated users to access. We encourage all community members to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time. We also welcome any suggestions for activities to engage in during the blackout—this could include limiting new posts and comments, promoting alternative platforms like Mastodon or Lemmy, or initiating a general discussion thread.

The outcome of this protest remains uncertain; Reddit may reconsider its stance, or it could respond by taking further actions that could undermine trust among users, such as removing moderators or enforcing a public status for our subreddit. Regardless of what transpires, we want to express our gratitude for the support of this community.

For those seeking additional context on this issue and its implications, we invite you to explore the following resources:

• A succinct infographic from r/videos outlining the situation
• Insights on why it is critical to preserve third-party applications in this discussion
• An open letter addressing the recent API pricing decisions
• A list of other major communities participating in this blackout effort can be found here

We appreciate your understanding and engagement as we navigate this critical juncture together. Your voice matters, and together we can advocate for changes that support our community’s needs.