On June 12-14, r/cybersecurity will switch to private mode to oppose Reddit’s API modifications and the shutdown of third-party applications

Title: R/cybersecurity Joins the Fight: A 48-Hour Blackout Protest Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a significant move reflecting the concerns of its members, the r/cybersecurity community will temporarily go private from June 12th to June 14th. This action is in response to Reddit’s controversial changes regarding third-party applications and the newly imposed restrictions on API access.

Latest feedback from our members, as seen in a recent post and through modmail, reveals a strong consensus: the majority of our community members are urging Reddit to reconsider these recent alterations that threaten the existence and functionality of third-party apps.

Unless Reddit addresses and amends these changes, r/cybersecurity will implement a 48-hour blackout, beginning on June 12th. Following this period, we will consult with the community for further actions, whether that involves extending the protest or exploring alternative options—we’ll let the members decide our next steps.

During the blackout, the subreddit will restrict access to new members and unauthenticated users. We strongly encourage everyone to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time. We invite you to share your ideas for what we can do during the blackout, whether it’s limiting new posts and comments or introducing members to alternative platforms like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky.

Reddit may choose to reverse its decision, but they could also take steps that further erode trust within the community, including potential removal of moderators or forcing the subreddit to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege to serve this community.

For those seeking more context about our decision and the ongoing situation, here are some helpful resources:

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this important update. If you are planning to participate in or support the blackout, consider using tools like snoowrap or other third-party Reddit APIs to monitor subreddit activity or automate notifications during this period. Additionally, ensure that your applications comply with Reddit’s API rules to prevent potential access issues. If your team manages apps that rely heavily on Reddit’s API, it might be a good opportunity to explore alternative platforms like Mastodon or Lemmy to diversify your community engagement. Should you need assistance with API integrations or suggestions for alternative communication channels, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your community stays connected during this protest period.

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