From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit community will go private as a protest against Reddit’s API changes and the discontinuation of third-party app support.

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r/Cybersecurity Joins the Blackout: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

From June 12th to 14th, the r/Cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily go private as part of a movement to protest Reddit’s recent alterations to its API, which have effectively endangered the existence of third-party applications.

After carefully considering community feedback, including comments on previous posts and modmail messages, it’s evident that a significant majority of our members are in favor of reversing or adjusting these API restrictions that are detrimental to the accessibility and functionality of third-party tools.

If Reddit remains steadfast in its current approach, r/Cybersecurity will participate in a 48-hour blackout. During this period, anyone who is not a current member or who does not have an authenticated account will be unable to access the subreddit. The blackout will start on June 12th and end on June 14th. At the conclusion of the blackout, we will reach out to the community to decide on next steps—whether that includes extending the protest or taking alternative actions. The final decision will rest with you.

We encourage all community members to avoid visiting Reddit during the blackout. If you have suggestions for activities during this time—such as limiting new posts, initiating conversations on alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky, or creating threads for general discussion—feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below.

The outcomes of this protest remain uncertain. Reddit could choose to address the concerns of its user base, or they might opt for severe measures that could further damage the trust between the platform and its communities, including the removal of moderators or maintaining subreddit access as public. Regardless of the result, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to serve and support this community.

For further insights into the situation and the implications of these changes, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

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One Comment

  1. Support and Next Steps for the r/Cybersecurity Blackout

    Thank you for sharing this detailed update. It’s clear that your community is actively engaging in advocacy against the recent API changes, which is commendable. If you’re experiencing issues accessing the subreddit or managing the blackout process, here are some suggestions to assist you:

    • Accessing the Subreddit During Blackout: Since the blackout restricts access to non-members or unauthenticated users, ensure that your Reddit account is properly logged in with the same credentials used to join the community. If you face access issues, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser.
    • Participating in Alternative Platforms: As suggested, creating active discussions on Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky can help maintain engagement during the blackout. Consider cross-posting important updates or rallying support across these platforms.
    • Moderation & Community Management: If you’re a moderator, verify your permissions, especially if the subreddit is temporarily private. Use Reddit’s Moderator Tools or the mod dashboard to manage announcements or coordinate community actions.
    • Sharing Resources & Information: The links provided are excellent for raising awareness. Make sure they are
    Reply

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