Subreddit Blackout: r/cybersecurity Joins the Fight Against Reddit’s API Changes
From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity community will be going private in a unified stand against Reddit’s recent changes to its API policies, which threaten the existence of third-party applications.
Following extensive discussions within the community and feedback obtained through modmail, it’s clear that the majority of our members are deeply concerned about the implications of these changes. Many believe that Reddit needs to reconsider or amend its decision to restrict access to its API, which would essentially eliminate third-party app usage.
In light of this, we are taking a stand. If Reddit does not revert its recent API changes, r/cybersecurity will observe a blackout lasting 48 hours, during which the subreddit will become inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. We’re urging our community to refrain from visiting Reddit during this period to amplify our message.
We want your input on how best to proceed during the blackout. Should we restrict new posts and comments, orient our community towards alternative social platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, or perhaps create a general discussion thread? Your suggestions are crucial to shaping our collective response.
This protest is not just a symbolic gesture; it represents our commitment to protecting the integrity of our community. The outcome remains uncertain—Reddit might choose to reverse its course, but there is also the risk of further actions that could compromise our community governance.
As we navigate this situation, we remain honored to serve as moderators, dedicated to the values we uphold.
For those looking for more context about these developments, we encourage you to explore the following resources:
- A concise infographic explaining the situation here (thanks to r/videos).
- The post detailing our concerns about third-party apps here.
- An open letter discussing the impacts of the new API pricing on moderators and communities here.
- A list of major Reddit communities joining the blackout [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw5/incomplete_and_g
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Understanding the Reddit r/cybersecurity Community Blackout and How It Might Impact Your Experience
The upcoming blackout from June 12th to June 14th represents a significant collective action by the r/cybersecurity community in response to Reddit’s API policy changes. During this period, the subreddit will be private, and public access will be restricted, which may temporarily affect your ability to view or participate in discussions there.
As a support engineer, I recommend that if you’re relying on third-party applications or integrations related to Reddit or specifically the r/cybersecurity community, you should be aware that access and functionality could be impacted during this blackout. If you use any tools or apps that interface with Reddit, consider preparing alternative methods for accessing the latest information or following community updates through official channels like Mastodon or Bluesky as suggested by the community.
Additionally, as part of the ongoing response to API policy changes, it’s advisable to stay informed about updates from Reddit and monitor official communication channels or subreddit announcements concerning the blackout timeline and community support efforts.
If you are managing or developing third-party tools that integrate with Reddit, this is a good moment to review API usage policies and prepare for potential disruptions or API restrictions during and after the blackout period.
Should you experience any issues accessing Reddit or related services during this time, feel free to reach out for further assistance, and I can help explore alternative solutions