r/cybersecurity: Going Private in Protest Against Reddit’s API Changes

From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily close its doors in response to Reddit’s controversial changes regarding API access and the discontinuation of third-party applications.

After careful consideration of the community’s feedback—voiced in our previous discussions and through modmail—it’s clear that there is a strong call for Reddit to reverse or reconsider its recent decisions affecting third-party app functionality.

In solidarity with this sentiment, r/cybersecurity will initiate a 48-hour blackout period starting June 12th. During this time, the subreddit will be restricted, rendering it inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. We urge all users to refrain from visiting Reddit during this blackout to amplify our message.

This protest is not merely about access; it embodies our fight for user rights and the integrity of our community. Should Reddit choose not to reconsider its API changes, we will consult with you all on the next steps—be it extending the protest or exploring alternative actions. The direction we take will be a collective decision, emphasizing the power of our community.

Throughout the blackout, we welcome your suggestions on how we can keep the momentum going. Ideas such as limiting new posts and comments, introducing discussions on alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or launching a general chat thread have already been floated. Your input is invaluable.

As we navigate this critical juncture, we acknowledge that Reddit may either choose to listen, or they may respond with further divisive actions, including the removal of moderators or forcing public accessibility on the subreddit. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this community as moderators.

For more details on these developments and their implications, check out the resources below: