r/Cybersecurity: Going Dark to Stand Up for Third-Party Apps

Attention Cybersecurity Community: Major Updates Ahead

From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will be transitioning to a private mode as part of a protest against Reddit’s recent changes to its API policies, which threaten the existence of third-party applications.

After carefully reviewing feedback from our community, it is evident that a significant majority of you are opposed to Reddit’s current stance on third-party app restrictions and the associated API changes. In solidarity with these concerns, we feel compelled to take action.

A Stand for Community Values

If Reddit does not reconsider its recent decisions by the end of this protest period, we will reconvene to evaluate our next steps, whether that involves extending the blackout or pursuing alternative actions. Your voice will guide this decision; we want to ensure that the direction we take reflects the wishes of the community.

During the blackout, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. We urge all members to refrain from accessing Reddit during this time to maximize the impact of our message. In the spirit of community collaboration, we welcome your suggestions on how we can utilize this blackout period effectively. Ideas could include creating introductory threads for alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, restricting new posts and comments, or simply engaging in a general discussion thread.

What Lies Ahead

As we move forward, Reddit’s response remains uncertain. There is a possibility that they may revisit their API policies, but we must also be prepared for more drastic measures that could further undermine the trust between the platform and its users. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve as your moderators, and we remain committed to advocating for our community.

For those seeking more information about the implications of these changes, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

• Concise Infographic on the Situation (thanks to r/videos)
• A Call to Action Regarding the Impact of API Changes
• [Open Letter on API Pricing and Its Effects](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/13xh1e7/an_open_letter_on_the_state_of_affairs_reg