r/cybersecurity to Go Private: A Community Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

Attention, cybersecurity enthusiasts! From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily transition to a private status in response to significant changes Reddit has made regarding their API, which has adversely affected third-party applications. This decision comes after extensive feedback indicating a strong desire within our community for a reversal or modification of these recent policy shifts.

In light of this, if Reddit does not reconsider its stance on the API limitations, our subreddit will participate in a full 48-hour blackout. As we approach this critical moment, we encourage community members to share their thoughts on how we should proceed afterward—whether that means extending the protest or exploring alternative actions.

During this blackout period, access to the subreddit will be restricted for new users and those without authentication. We also encourage all members to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during this time. If you have suggestions for activities or initiatives we could undertake during the blackout—such as restricting new posts and comments, introducing our community to alternative social media platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or simply creating a general discussion thread—feel free to contribute your ideas in the comments below.

As we prepare for this protest, we acknowledge the possibility that Reddit may either concede to our demands or implement further measures that could harm our trust, such as removing moderators or forcing the subreddit to remain publicly accessible. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this vibrant community.

To stay informed and engaged, we encourage everyone to check out the following resources:
* Informative Infographic — A concise overview of the situation, courtesy of r/videos.
* Discussion on the Impact of API Changes — Delve deeper into the community’s concerns.
* Open Letter Addressing API Pricing Issues — An exploration of the implications for moderators and subreddit communities.
* [Participating Subreddits in the Blackout](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw5/incomplete_and_growing_list