Community Protest: r/Cybersecurity to Go Private Amid API Controversy
In a significant move reflecting the collective voice of its members, the r/cybersecurity community has decided to take a stand against Reddit’s recent API changes. From June 12th to June 14th, the subreddit will go private as part of a larger protest against the decision to discontinue third-party applications and implement tighter restrictions on API access.
Following an extensive review of community feedback and conversations through modmail, it is clear that a majority of our members are not in favor of these changes. As a result, unless Reddit revises or reconsiders its latest API policies, the blackout will take effect for a full 48 hours, signaling our discontent.
During this blackout period, new members and unauthenticated users will be unable to access the subreddit. The community is also encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during these two days. We understand that many of you may have thoughts on how we can utilize this time effectively—for instance, welcoming new discussions about alternative social platforms, or initiating general chat threads. Your input is invaluable, so please share your ideas in the comments.
Although we hope for a reversal from Reddit regarding these API changes, we must also be prepared for various outcomes. There’s a possibility that the platform might decide to take stringent measures, such as removing moderators or mandating that the subreddit remains public. Regardless of what unfolds, we genuinely appreciate the opportunity to serve this community and be part of this journey with you.
For those seeking more information about the current situation and the implications of these changes, the following resources are available:
- Informative Infographic: A succinct overview of the situation provided by r/videos.
- Discussion on API Changes: Explore our original post detailing the risks to third-party applications here.
- Open Letter on API Pricing: Read an open letter addressing the broader impact of API pricing on moderators and communities here.
- Participating Subreddits: Check out the growing list of major Reddit communities joining this protest
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Thank you for sharing this important update. If you’re managing a subreddit or community during periods like this, consider the following steps to ensure you stay informed and maintain good communication with your members:
For further assistance, consider reviewing Reddit’s official API documentation or engaging with Reddit community support for specific questions about API access and limitations. Maintaining clear communication and being adaptable during these challenges will help sustain your community’s resilience.