r/Cybersecurity Goes Dark: Community Protest Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a significant move to voice their concerns, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily go private from June 12th to 14th. This decision arises from overwhelming feedback from community members who are opposed to Reddit’s recent modifications to its API policies, which threaten to eliminate third-party applications.

The message from the moderators is clear: unless Reddit reassesses its stance on these API changes, the subreddit will participate in a 48-hour blackout. This action is aimed at urging Reddit to reconsider its current approach to API restrictions, which many believe undermines the functionality of the platform and harms users who rely on third-party apps.

During this blackout period, new members and unauthenticated users will find the subreddit inaccessible. Community members are encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit entirely and to share their thoughts on possible actions during this time. Suggestions could include limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternatives like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or initiating an open thread for discussion.

What lies ahead remains uncertain. Reddit might respond positively and retract its controversial API changes, or it could intensify its stance, potentially leading to further erosion of trust within the community. Regardless of the outcome, the moderators express their gratitude for being able to serve this vibrant community.

For those seeking to understand the nuances of this situation better, additional resources are available:

• A concise infographic outlining the key points.
• A detailed discussion of the issue in the post titled Don’t let Reddit kill 3rd party apps.
• An open letter discussing the implications of the API pricing changes here.
• A growing list of major Reddit communities participating in this protest can be found here.

The decision to protest highlights the community’s commitment to safeguarding the tools and resources they value. Stay tuned for updates and join us in advocating for a platform that respects its users and developers.