r/Cybersecurity Goes Dark: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

In response to the overwhelming feedback from our community, we are taking a stand. From June 12th to June 14th, r/Cybersecurity will temporarily go private to protest Reddit’s recent changes to its API, which jeopardize the existence of third-party applications.

Many community members have expressed their dissatisfaction with Reddit’s decision, and as moderators, we feel it is essential to act on your behalf. If Reddit does not reconsider or amend these controversial API changes, our subreddit will join a wider blackout that will last for 48 hours. After this period, we will reach out to the community for guidance on the next steps—be it extending the protest or exploring other alternatives.

During this blackout, access to the subreddit will be restricted for new members and unauthenticated users. We urge all users to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time as a show of solidarity. If you have suggestions on how our community can utilize this blackout—whether by limiting new posts and comments or facilitating discussions on alternative social media platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky—please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The outcome of this protest remains uncertain. Reddit may choose to reassess its strategy, or alternatively, they may respond with further actions that could erode trust within the community, such as removing our moderation team or mandating that our subreddit stays public. Regardless of what unfolds, we want to take a moment to acknowledge how honored we are to serve as your moderators.

For those seeking further clarity on this situation, we have compiled a variety of resources:

• A concise infographic summarizing the issue, courtesy of r/videos
• Community discussions on the necessity of preserving third-party apps
• An open letter addressing the implications of the new API pricing for moderators and broader communities
• A growing list of major Reddit communities participating in the blackout

We appreciate your ongoing support during this critical time for the r/Cybersecurity community. Thank you for being a part of this important discussion.