r/Cybersecurity Takes a Stand: 48-Hour Blackout to Protest Reddit’s API Changes

In response to overwhelming feedback from our community, we’re announcing an important decision regarding our subreddit. From June 12th to June 14th, r/cybersecurity will temporarily go private in protest of Reddit’s recent API changes that threaten the existence of third-party applications widely used by our community.

Many members have expressed deep concern over Reddit’s decision to restrict API access, and we believe it is crucial to take action. Unless Reddit reassesses and reverts these changes, we will engage in a 48-hour blackout. This means that during this period, the subreddit will be inaccessible to both new members and unauthenticated users.

Taking a Stand for Our Community

This blackout is not just a stand against the new policies; it’s also a moment for us to reflect on what actions we want to take next. If Reddit remains unyielding, we will open discussions on potential next steps, whether that be extending the protest or exploring different methods of engagement.

During the blackout, we strongly encourage everyone to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether. It’s essential for our collective voice to be heard, and your participation is vital. We welcome any suggestions on how we can effectively utilize this time—whether it involves limiting new posts and comments or sharing resources about alternative platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky.

The Road Ahead

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain. Reddit may choose to reverse their decisions, or they could double down, which would further erode trust within our community. As your moderators, we remain dedicated to serving this community and navigating these challenges together.

For those seeking more information and context about why we’re taking this stand, we invite you to explore the following resources: