r/Cybersecurity Goes Private: A Community Response to Reddit’s API Changes
From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will be going private in response to Reddit’s recent modifications regarding API access, which threaten the availability of third-party applications. This decision resonates strongly with the voices of our community, many of whom have expressed their discontent through feedback and modmail.
In light of Reddit’s refusal to reconsider its stance on API limitations, we believe it’s imperative to take action. Thus, during this 48-hour blackout, the subreddit will remain inaccessible to both new users and those who are not logged in. We sincerely encourage our members to abstain from visiting Reddit altogether during this time.
Our intention is to create space for our community to reflect on these developments. Once the blackout concludes, we will reassess our next steps based on your feedback—whether it’s to extend this protest, pursue an alternative initiative, or any other suggestions you might have.
As we prepare for this blackout, we invite your input on how to navigate this period effectively. Some potential ideas include limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternative social media platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or creating a discussion thread to engage with one another.
We understand that the situation could unfold in various ways—Reddit may choose to reverse its decision, or they might opt for actions that could deepen the trust issues between the platform and its users, such as removing moderators or enforcing public access against our wishes. Regardless of what transpires, we remain grateful to serve this community.
For further insights about the current situation and its implications, please refer to the following resources:
- A concise infographic on community sentiments courtesy of r/videos
- Our open letter detailing the impact of API pricing changes on our community
- A growing list of major Reddit communities participating in the blackout
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this crucial moment together.
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