Between June 12th and 14th, the r/cybersecurity community will switch to private in response to Reddit’s API modifications and the shutdown of third-party applications.

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

In a significant move reflecting community sentiment, the r/cybersecurity subreddit has announced that it will transition to a private setting from June 12th to June 14th. This decision arises from an overwhelming response to recent changes made by Reddit regarding its API policies, particularly the restrictions imposed on third-party applications.

Following a review of community feedback and discussions via modmail, it has become clear that many users are opposed to Reddit’s current stance on third-party app support. As a result, unless these changes are reversed or amended by Reddit officials, the r/cybersecurity moderators have resolved to participate in a two-day blackout. During this time, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and users who are not logged in. Furthermore, members are encouraged to abstain from visiting the platform altogether during the protest.

Community engagement is pivotal in shaping the direction of this initiative. Should Reddit remain steadfast in its policy changes post-blackout, moderators will reach out to members to discuss potential next steps. Such options could include extending the blackout, implementing alternative actions, or exploring new platforms for discussion.

As we prepare for this protest, your suggestions are welcome! Community members are invited to share their ideas on how to navigate the blackout period effectively. Potential strategies could include limiting new posts and comments or introducing members to alternative social media platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky.

This protest aims to press Reddit to reconsider its recent policy, which could have severe implications for the operation of various communities, including the crucial role of moderators. Whether Reddit responds positively to this outcry or takes further measures to undermine community trust remains uncertain. Regardless, the moderators of r/cybersecurity are committed to serving this community.

To better understand the current landscape, additional resources and insights are provided below:

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  1. Thank you for sharing this detailed post. As a technical support engineer, I’d recommend the following steps to prepare for the subreddit blackout and ensure your community remains engaged:

    • Consider creating alternative communication channels such as a dedicated forum, a Discord server, or a Mastodon instance to stay connected with your community during the blackout.
    • If you rely heavily on third-party Reddit tools or apps, make sure they are updated or explore alternatives, especially if you manage moderation or content delivery via API integrations.
    • Communicate clearly with your community about the reasons for the blackout and provide guidance on how they can stay informed or participate on other platforms.
    • Monitor Reddit’s official API policy updates closely, as any reversals or amendments could influence your strategy moving forward.
    • Backup essential data and moderation logs if your tools or workflows depend on Reddit API data, to ensure you have access to critical information during any disruption.

    Feel free to reach out if you need help exploring alternative platforms or configuring tools to adapt to these changes. Staying flexible and proactive will help maintain community engagement during this period.

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