r/Cybersecurity to Go Private in Protest of Reddit’s API Changes

In light of recent significant changes to Reddit’s API, the r/cybersecurity community has decided to take a stand. From June 12th to June 14th, our subreddit will go private as a form of protest against the platform’s move to eliminate third-party applications. This decision is grounded in the overwhelming feedback we received from community members who voiced their concerns regarding the potential negative impact of these changes.

Despite our ongoing discussions with moderators and community members, it appears that Reddit remains steadfast in their approach. As a result, we believe taking this action is essential to advocate for the rights and preferences of our community. During the blackout period, the subreddit will be unavailable to new users and those who are not logged in. We encourage all members to refrain from visiting Reddit entirely during this time to amplify the impact of our protest.

As we move into this protest, we want to hear from you. What do you envision for the community during this blackout? Options might include limiting new posts and comments or sharing introductions to alternative platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky. We are open to any suggestions you might have for actions we could take to further our cause.

The outcome of this situation is uncertain; Reddit might choose to revise its decisions, or they may continue on their current path, potentially leading to further erosion of community trust. Regardless of the outcome, we take pride in serving as your moderators, ensuring that this space remains welcoming and informative.

For those who want to delve deeper into the specifics of this situation and its implications, we have compiled a variety of resources:

• A detailed infographic laying out the current state of affairs
• Thoughts on why we oppose Reddit’s decision to eliminate third-party apps
• An open letter addressing the broader implications of API pricing and its effects on moderators and communities
• A growing list of major Reddit communities that are joining us in this protest

We appreciate your support as we navigate this challenging issue together. Thank you for being a part of the r/cybersecurity community, and we look forward to your thoughts and suggestions during this critical time.