Upcoming Blackout: r/Cybersecurity Takes a Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

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

After carefully considering the community’s feedback shared through various channels, it became clear that many members are deeply concerned about Reddit’s recent decisions. The overwhelming consensus is that action is necessary to urge Reddit to reconsider its stance on limiting third-party apps and imposing stricter API restrictions.

In light of these concerns, r/cybersecurity will participate in a two-day blackout, commencing on June 12th and concluding on June 14th. This strategic move is intended to draw attention to the community’s unity and determination for change. If Reddit does not take steps to amend its API policies, the moderators will reach out for further input from the community regarding possible next steps, whether that be extending the protest or exploring alternative actions.

During the blackout period, the subreddit will be inaccessible to both new members and users who aren’t logged in. We strongly encourage you to refrain from visiting the platform during this time. Additionally, we welcome your suggestions on how to effectively utilize the blackout period—for example, you might propose limiting new posts or comments, sharing recommendations for alternative social media platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or perhaps initiating a community discussion thread.

The outcome of this protest remains uncertain—Reddit may choose to reconsider its policies, or, conversely, may respond with further actions that could erode community trust, such as removing moderation staff or forcing the subreddit to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.

For more detailed information about the situation and its implications, please refer to the following resources: