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

From June 12th to June 14th, r/cybersecurity will temporarily transition to a private status as a form of protest against Reddit’s recent changes to its API policies and the detrimental impact on third-party applications.

A recent review of community feedback highlights that a significant majority of our members are dissatisfied with these alterations and are urging Reddit to reconsider its decision to limit third-party app access.

In response, r/cybersecurity is set to join a broader movement by participating in a 48-hour blackout, which will culminate on June 14th. Should Reddit fail to reverse its API modifications, we will consult the community regarding our next steps. The possibilities include extending the protest, implementing alternative actions, or any other suggestions sourced from our members. Your voice matters in defining how we move forward.

During the blackout phase, access to the subreddit will be restricted for new members and those without authentication. We strongly encourage all community members to avoid visiting Reddit throughout this period. Furthermore, we invite you to share your ideas on how our community can engage during the blackout. Options might include limiting new posts and comments, introducing members to alternative social media platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, or facilitating a general discussion thread.

The outcome of this protest remains uncertain; Reddit might either retract its current stance, or it could enact measures that further diminish our trust, such as reassessing the roles of moderators or forcing the subreddit to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, it has truly been a privilege to serve this community.

For those seeking additional context and resources related to these events, consider exploring the following links:

• A concise infographic highlighting the issue at hand.
• An in-depth discussion on the implications of API changes.
• An open letter addressing API pricing and its effects on community moderators.
• A list of [major Reddit communities participating in the blackout](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw5/incomplete_and_growing_list_of