Major Community Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes: r/cybersecurity Joins the Blackout
In a significant move to voice their concerns, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will transition to a private status from June 12th to June 14th. This action is a direct protest against Reddit’s recent modifications to their API policies, which jeopardize the existence of third-party applications that many users rely on.
Following a thorough review of community feedback and discussions via modmail, it’s clear that a substantial number of our members are advocating for Reddit to reconsider their decision regarding these API alterations. As it stands, if Reddit does not amend or retract its latest changes, r/cybersecurity will partake in a 48-hour blackout. The community will have the opportunity to decide the next steps afterward—whether to extend the protest or pursue alternative actions.
During the blackout, the subreddit will be completely inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. Additionally, we strongly urge all community members to refrain from visiting Reddit entirely during this timeframe. We invite your suggestions on how we can effectively utilize this protest period—whether it’s limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternative social media platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, or simply creating a central discussion thread.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it remains uncertain how Reddit will respond. They may choose to reconsider their stance, or they could implement further drastic actions that risk alienating the very communities they seek to engage. Regardless of the outcome, serving this community has been a privilege, and we are committed to ensuring your voices are heard.
For more insights into the situation and its implications, consider exploring the following resources:
- Concise Infographic on the Issue – courtesy of r/videos
- Community Call to Action on Third-Party Apps
- Open Letter Addressing API Pricing Concerns
- Growing List of Major Subreddits Participating in the Blackout
Together, we stand
Share this content:
Thank you for sharing this important update. The decision of the r/cybersecurity community to go private as a form of protest against Reddit’s API changes highlights how critical third-party tools and community access are to many users. If you’re experiencing issues accessing the subreddit during this blackout, please note that the community’s move to private status is intentional and temporary, aimed at raising awareness and urging Reddit to reconsider their policies.
For users looking to stay updated or participate in discussions during this period, it’s advisable to follow the community’s official communications on alternative platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, as mentioned in their resources. Additionally, consider subscribing to their announcement channels or checking the linked resources for updates on how the community plans to proceed after June 14th.
If you are a moderator or involved in community management, ensure your moderation tools are aligned with the blackout period and inform members accordingly. In case of technical issues related to content visibility or moderation during this time, reviewing your API integrations and access permissions may also be helpful.
Please feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or have questions about managing community protests or API integration issues on WordPress or other platforms.