Upcoming Blackout: r/Cybersecurity to Go Private in Protest of Reddit’s API Changes
From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity community will temporarily switch to a private status as a collective stand against Reddit’s recent API modifications that threaten the existence of third-party applications.
In response to significant feedback gathered from community members—both through a previous discussion post and modmail—the overwhelming sentiment expressed a desire for Reddit to reconsider or revise its current stance on these changes. The new API restrictions not only limit functionality but also jeopardize the use of vital third-party tools that many members rely on.
Unless there is an immediate reversal of these API restrictions, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will participate in a 48-hour blackout. During this time, the subreddit will be inaccessible to any new or unauthenticated users. Additionally, community members are encouraged to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during this protest period.
In the wake of these developments, we invite you to share ideas on how we can effectively utilize the blackout. Suggestions can include restricting new posts and comments, introducing alternative social media platforms (such as Mastodon, Lemmy, and Bluesky), or creating a dedicated thread for general discussions. Your input is vital as we navigate this situation together.
As we prepare for this blackout, it remains to be seen whether Reddit may consider reversing its decision or potentially take more drastic measures that could further erode community trust—such as removing moderators or compelling subreddits to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, it has truly been a privilege to serve this community as moderators.
For those seeking further clarity on the situation, resources are available, including:
- An informative infographic that succinctly outlines the issue, courtesy of r/videos.
- Don’t let Reddit kill 3rd party apps.
- An open letter discussing the impact of API pricing on moderators and communities.
- A growing list of major Reddit communities joining the blackout.
We appreciate your participation in this critical moment for our community
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Hi there,
I understand that the r/cybersecurity community is planning a blackout from June 12th to 14th in response to Reddit’s API changes. This kind of action can be a powerful way to demonstrate community concern, but it can also impact access and functionality during that period.
If you’re experiencing issues accessing the subreddit or its resources during the blackout, please be aware that the community has intentionally set the subreddit to private, making it inaccessible to non-members and unauthenticated users. Unfortunately, until the blackout period ends or the community lifts the restriction, there’s limited ability to access content directly through Reddit.
To stay informed during this period, consider:
If you are a moderator or involved with the community, ensure that you have all necessary tools and