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

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

In response to overwhelming feedback from our community, r/cybersecurity will be initiating a 48-hour blackout from June 12th to June 14th. This decision stems from significant concerns regarding Reddit’s recent API changes which threaten the existence of third-party applications.

As many of you have expressed through comments and modmail, there is a strong desire for Reddit to reconsider or amend its stance on the API restrictions. If Reddit does not revert its decision, we will proceed with the blackout as planned. After the blackout concludes, we will connect with the community to discuss next steps—whether that entails extending the protest or pursuing alternative actions.

During the blackout, r/cybersecurity will be inaccessible to both new and unauthenticated users. We encourage all community members to minimize their visits to the platform during this time. Furthermore, if you have suggestions on how we can make the most of the blackout period—such as limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternative social media platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, or facilitating a general discussion thread—please share your ideas in the comments.

While we hope for a positive outcome where Reddit might reconsider its decisions, there is always the possibility of facing further challenges. This includes the risk of Reddit taking stricter measures, which could further erode trust among the community and moderation team.

Our gratitude to all of you for your continued support. It has been a privilege to serve as your moderators.

For more context on the situation, here are some useful resources:
Brief Infographic Explaining the API Changes courtesy of r/videos
Discussion on the Impact of API Changes
Open Letter Regarding API Pricing and Its Community Impact
List of Major Subreddits Participating in the Blackout

Thank you for standing with us during this pivotal moment.

Share this content:

One Comment

  1. Understanding the Visibility of Your WordPress Post During Reddit Blackout

    Hi there,

    It sounds like you’re concerned about how your WordPress content might be affected during the upcoming subreddit blackout from June 12th to June 14th. Generally, this type of community action targeting Reddit won’t impact the visibility or accessibility of your WordPress site, since your website operates independently of Reddit’s platform.

    If you are embedding Reddit content or sharing links to Reddit discussions on your site, please be aware that during the blackout, Reddit will be unavailable for interactions or content updates directly from the community side. However, your website visitors will still be able to access your WordPress posts normally.

    To ensure your content remains engaging during this period, consider the following:

    • Share alternative social media links like Mastodon or Bluesky, as suggested in your recent post.
    • Use plugins or integrations that can automatically update your site with relevant community news or discussions.
    • Announce the blackout period directly on your website with a banner or notification, keeping your visitors informed.

    If you are embedding Reddit content using plugins or shortcodes, make sure to verify their functionality before the blackout, as embedded content may not load if Reddit

Leave a Reply to [email protected] Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *