r/Cybersecurity to Go Private: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity community will temporarily transition to a private setting in protest against recent changes to Reddit’s API and the impact it has on third-party applications.

Following extensive discussions and feedback from our members, it’s clear that a significant portion of this community stands united in calling for changes to Reddit’s decision to restrict access to its API and eliminate support for third-party apps. This shift threatens our ability to communicate effectively and maintain the tools that facilitate our discussions and outreach.

In light of this, starting June 12th at 12:01 AM EDT and lasting for 48 hours, r/cybersecurity will join the larger movement of subreddits participating in a blackout. During this period, our subreddit will be inaccessible to new users and those who are not logged in. We urge all community members to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time to make our voices heard.

As this protest unfolds, we invite your thoughts and suggestions on how we should proceed. Would you prefer to extend the blackout if changes aren’t made, or perhaps engage in alternative activities such as introducing new platforms (like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky) to our members? Your input is vital as we navigate this situation together.

We are aware that Reddit might respond in various ways, potentially escalating tensions by removing moderators or insisting that the subreddit remains public. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this community.

For those looking for more context regarding these API changes, we recommend checking out the following resources:

• Insightful Infographic on API Changes
• Discussion on Reddit’s Impact on Third-Party Apps
• An Open Letter Addressing API Pricing and Its Effects
• Growing List of Participating Subreddits

Together, let’s make our stance known and advocate for the tools that