Community Stand Against API Changes: r/Cybersecurity to Go Private
In a significant move to highlight their concerns over Reddit’s recent API adjustments, the r/cybersecurity community has announced that it will temporarily transition to a private status from June 12th to June 14th. This decision stems from overwhelming feedback received from community members who are dissatisfied with Reddit’s plans to eliminate third-party applications and limit access to its API.
The moderation team gathered insights through various channels, with a clear consensus emerging: the community strongly desires Reddit to reconsider these changes. As a response, r/cybersecurity is poised to join a wider blackout initiative, which will render the subreddit inaccessible to both new members and users who aren’t logged in during this two-day period.
During the blackout, members are encouraged to abstain from visiting Reddit altogether. The mod team actively seeks suggestions from the community on how to best approach this period. Options include restricting new posts and comments, facilitating introductions to alternative platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or even creating a communal thread for discussions.
The outcome of this protest remains uncertain. There’s a possibility that Reddit may reevaluate its stance, but there’s also a chance that drastic measures could be taken, which could further erode trust—such as the removal of moderators or forcing community subreddits to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, the moderation team takes pride in serving this vibrant community.
For those looking for further context and resources regarding the situation, here are some useful links:
– Infographic Overview on the issues at hand, courtesy of r/videos.
– Discussion on Reddit’s API changes and the impact on third-party apps.
– An open letter addressing API pricing and its effects on communities.
– List of Major Reddit Communities Participating in the Blackout.
As we navigate this challenging landscape, the involvement and voices of community members are essential. Let’s stand
Share this content:
If you’re experiencing issues accessing or managing your subreddit during this blackout period, ensure that your moderation tools are correctly configured to handle private or restricted settings. If you plan to facilitate discussions on alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, consider creating dedicated communication channels or pinned posts to keep your community informed and engaged. Additionally, regularly monitor the links and resources provided by the community to stay updated on the evolving situation and any changes to Reddit’s API policies. If you need assistance with transitioning your moderation workflow or setting up external communication tools, feel free to reach out for support.