r/cybersecurity to Temporarily Go Private in Protest Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a significant move reflecting the voice of its community, r/cybersecurity will be going private from June 12th to June 14th to protest Reddit’s recent API alterations, which threaten third-party applications.

After thorough consideration of the feedback received from community members, it is clear that a strong majority desires Reddit to reconsider its decision to eliminate support for third-party apps and impose stricter limitations on their API. In light of this overwhelming response, the r/cybersecurity moderators have decided to take a stand.

If Reddit does not reverse its recent changes by the start of this period, the subreddit will initiate a temporary blackout lasting 48 hours. Should the platform refuse to budge, we will reach out to the community to discuss the next steps—including potential extensions of the protest or alternative actions.

During the blackout, r/cybersecurity will be inaccessible to new users and those who are not logged in. We encourage everyone to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time. If you have suggestions on what the community can do during the blackout—such as limiting new posts and comments or introducing platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky—please share your ideas in the comments.

It’s uncertain how Reddit will respond to this demonstration. They may choose to abandon their current stance or take further actions that could erode user trust, such as removing moderators or mandating that the subreddit remain public. Regardless of the outcome, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.

For more information on the situation and its implications, please explore the following resources:

• Infographic explaining the circumstances (courtesy of r/videos)
• Detailed discussion on the impact of Reddit’s policy changes
• Letter addressing the API pricing and its effect on moderators and communities
• List of major subreddits participating in the blackout

Together, we