r/Cybersecurity Goes Dark: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a decisive response to Reddit’s controversial API policy changes, the r/cybersecurity community has announced a temporary closure of the subreddit from June 12th to June 14th. This action aims to rally support against the recent decision to eliminate third-party applications and impose new restrictions on the API, a move that many believe undermines the community’s access and engagement.

Following a thorough review of community feedback and discussions via moderator messages, it has become clear that a significant majority within r/cybersecurity opposes Reddit’s current trajectory. As a unified front, the subreddit plans to participate in a 48-hour blackout, sending a strong message to Reddit that these changes need to be reconsidered.

During this blackout, new members and unauthenticated users will find the subreddit inaccessible. Community members are encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during this period. To foster alternative discussions and engagement, users are invited to share suggestions in the comments on how the community might utilize this time—whether it’s exploring other platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or facilitating discussions that highlight concerns about Reddit’s policies.

The outcome of this protest remains uncertain. Reddit may choose to reverse its policy, or it could escalate the situation by taking further actions that erode community trust, such as removing moderators or enforcing public access to the subreddit. Regardless of what unfolds, the moderators of r/cybersecurity express their deep appreciation for the community’s support and engagement.

For those looking to learn more about this issue, several informative resources are available:
– A concise infographic that outlines the concerns raised by the community
– A discussion on the importance of third-party applications can be found in the post Don’t let Reddit kill third-party apps
– An open letter detailing the implications of the API pricing changes for moderators and communities can be accessed here
– A growing list of major Reddit communities participating in the blackout is available [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw