r/Cybersecurity Goes Private: A Community Response to API Changes
Overview
From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily transition to a private status as a form of protest against Reddit’s recent alterations to its API policies. These modifications have significantly impacted third-party applications, raising serious concerns among the community.
The Community Stand
Following an extensive review of community feedback—both from an earlier post and through modmail—the consensus is clear: a substantial number of members wish to see Reddit reconsider its position on third-party applications and the API restrictions. In light of this overwhelming response, the moderators have decided to take action.
If Reddit does not reconsider its recent changes, r/cybersecurity will participate in a 48-hour blackout starting June 12th and concluding on June 14th. In the event that Reddit fails to address the community’s concerns, we’ll seek further guidance from members on how to proceed—whether that entails extending the protest or exploring alternative actions.
What to Expect During the Blackout
During this blackout period, the subreddit will be off-limits to newcomers and unauthenticated users. We strongly encourage all members to refrain from visiting Reddit during these 48 hours. We invite you to share any suggestions on how we can effectively utilize this time—whether that involves limiting new posts and comments, introducing alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky, or creating a general discussion thread.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of this protest is uncertain. Reddit may choose to revise its stance or may exacerbate tensions by taking more drastic measures, such as removing moderators or mandating that the subreddit remain public. Regardless of developments, it has been a true privilege to serve this community.
Further Reading and Resources
To stay informed about the ongoing situation and its implications, please explore the following resources:
- Infographic on the current situation courtesy of r/videos.
- Don’t let Reddit kill third-party apps.
- An open letter detailing the impact of API pricing on moderators and communities.
- [A list of major
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Thank you for sharing this detailed update. As a support engineer, I recommend monitoring Reddit’s official API policy updates and any developer announcements closely, as these will directly impact third-party tools and community moderation options. If you manage a third-party application or moderation tool, ensure it complies with the latest API terms to avoid disruptions. Additionally, consider communicating with your user base about upcoming changes, and explore alternative moderation or engagement strategies such as encouraging community-led initiatives or leveraging platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky during the blackout period. If you need assistance with API integration modifications or understanding Reddit’s API policies, please feel free to reach out.