Between June 12th and 14th, r/cybersecurity will make itself private in protest of Reddit’s API modifications and the discontinuation of third-party applications.

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Community Action: r/cybersecurity to Go Private in Protest of API Changes

Attention readers,

In light of the overwhelming feedback from our community regarding recent changes to Reddit’s API and the implications for third-party applications, we believe it’s crucial to take a stand. From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will transition to private mode as a form of protest.

The decision to limit third-party applications and modify API access has generated significant concern within our community. Many of you have expressed a desire for Reddit to reconsider these changes, and it is our responsibility as moderators to advocate for your voices.

During the 48-hour blackout, our subreddit will be inaccessible to new and unauthenticated users. We encourage you to refrain from browsing Reddit altogether during this period. This action is not just about r/cybersecurity; it reflects a broader sentiment about the importance of open access and community-driven platforms.

We’re eager to hear your thoughts on how we should approach this blackout. Suggestions range from limiting new posts and comments to introducing discussions around alternative social media platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky. The course of action will ultimately be guided by community input.

It’s important to understand the potential outcomes of this protest. Reddit may choose to reverse its decision or may take further steps that jeopardize community trust, such as removing moderation teams or mandating subreddits to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this community, and we are prepared to uphold your interests.

For those seeking more information on the situation, we have compiled a list of resources:

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this detailed update regarding the r/cybersecurity subreddit’s planned blackout. From a technical support perspective, if you or your community are considering implementing such an action, here are some points to keep in mind:

    • Access Control: Transitioning a subreddit to private temporarily is straightforward via the moderation tools. Just ensure the setting is correctly updated to “Private” during the specified dates to restrict access.
    • Communication: Utilize the sticky posts, sidebar, or announcements to inform your community members about the blackout timeframe and reasons. Keeping your community updated helps minimize confusion.
    • Third-party API & Bots: If you’re running bots or tools that rely on Reddit API, consider disabling or adjusting them during the blackout to prevent errors or unnecessary API calls, especially if Reddit limits third-party access during the protest.
    • Alternative Platforms: Since community engagement might shift elsewhere, consider promoting other platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, and maintain links or cross-posting to keep the discussion active.
    • Monitoring & Feedback: Use available Reddit moderation tools and community feedback to gauge the impact of the blackout and adjust strategies accordingly.

    If you need help configuring your subreddit settings or automating communication during this period, I recommend reviewing the Reddit moderation documentation or reaching out to Reddit support

    Reply

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