r/cybersecurity Goes Dark: A Community Response to API Changes

From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily become private to express our collective discontent regarding recent shifts in Reddit’s API policies and the decision to discontinue support for third-party applications.

After evaluating the overwhelming feedback shared through our discussions and modmail, it has become clear that our community is united in urging Reddit to reconsider its stance. Many voices have signaled a strong preference for modifications to the new restrictions placed upon the API, emphasizing the invaluable role that third-party apps play in our user experience.

Should Reddit choose not to revert or adjust these recent changes, we will participate in a 48-hour blackout, effectively rendering the subreddit inaccessible to both new members and unauthenticated users. During this period, we strongly encourage everyone to refrain from visiting the site, standing in solidarity for a cause we deem significant.

We also invite all community members to contribute ideas regarding our actions during the blackout. Suggestions could include limiting new posts and comments, promoting alternative platforms such as Mastodon or Bluesky, or creating a collective discussion thread to keep the conversation flowing. Your input will help determine the path forward.

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain. Reddit could either recognize the community’s concerns and amend its approach, or it might take actions that further erode trust, such as dismissing moderators or enforcing public access to the subreddit. Regardless of what unfolds, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and engagement.

For those interested in learning more about this pivotal issue, here are a few helpful resources:

• Infographic Overview: Click here to view an informative infographic created by r/videos.
• Community Discussion: Don’t let Reddit kill 3rd party apps
• Open Letter on API Pricing and Impact: Read more here
• Participating Communities: [Find the growing list of participating subreddits](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw5/incomplete_and_growing_list_of_part