r/Cybersecurity to Go Private in Protest of Reddit’s API Changes

From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily close its doors to the public in a significant demonstration against Reddit’s recent modifications to its API policies, which threaten to eliminate third-party applications.

The community has expressed strong concerns regarding these changes, with most users advocating for a reconsideration of Reddit’s decision. In light of this feedback collected from various sources, including previous discussions and modmail communications, the moderators of r/cybersecurity have decided to take action.

Unless Reddit decides to revise or rescind its controversial API updates, r/cybersecurity will initiate a 48-hour blackout. During this period, the subreddit will not be accessible to new members or users who are not logged in. Community members are also encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during the blackout. Following the blackout, the moderators will consult the community on the next steps—whether to extend the protest, pursue different actions, or any other ideas that the members may propose.

Participants are invited to share their suggestions for activities to engage in during the blackout. Ideas can range from enforcing restrictions on new posts and comments to introducing platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky for continued discussion, or even organizing a general chat thread to maintain community engagement.

As this situation unfolds, Reddit may choose to adjust its stance, or it could take measures that risk further alienating users, such as removing moderators or insisting that the subreddit remain public. Regardless of how these events play out, the moderators feel privileged to serve the community and maintain its integrity.

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