On June 12–14, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will switch to private mode in protest against Reddit’s API modifications and the demise of third-party applications.

r/cybersecurity to Go Private: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes

In a significant move, the r/cybersecurity community will transition to a private subreddit from June 12th to June 14th in protest of Reddit’s recent API changes which have resulted in the discontinuation of third-party applications.

After thoroughly analyzing community feedback gathered from recent discussions and modmail, it is evident that a strong majority within our community is in favor of urging Reddit to reconsider its decision regarding the API adjustments. This decision has sparked concern regarding the future accessibility and functionality of various third-party platforms that enhance user experience.

If Reddit does not address these API changes by the commencement of our protest, r/cybersecurity will proceed with the blackout for a duration of 48 hours. Following this period, community members will have the opportunity to voice their preferences on the next steps—be it to extend the protest or explore alternative actions.

During the blackout, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and unauthenticated users. Additionally, we invite all participants to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time. We highly encourage the community to share their thoughts and suggestions on how we can engage during the blackout—whether it be by limiting new posts and comments or introducing alternatives like Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky.

As we navigate this challenging situation, it is uncertain whether Reddit will adjust its stance or implement further measures that could harm our community trust, such as removing moderators or insisting on keeping the subreddit public.

In the spirit of transparency and information-sharing, here are some valuable resources to understand the implications of these changes further:

  • Check out this infographic that succinctly illustrates the current situation.
  • Read the post Don’t let Reddit kill 3rd party apps for more insights.
  • Explore the open letter addressing the API pricing and its impact on moderators and communities.
  • Keep up with the **[list of major Reddit communities joining the blackout](https://www.reddit.com/r/ModCoord/comments/1401qw5/incomplete_and_g

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One Comment

  1. Thank you for sharing this important update. As a technical support engineer, I recommend ensuring that your community is well-prepared for this blackout period. Consider the following steps:

    • Backup Your Community Data: Export essential discussions or moderation logs if needed, to prevent data loss.
    • Plan Alternative Communication Channels: Encourage members to join alternative platforms such as Mastodon, Lemmy, or Bluesky ahead of time, and share clear instructions on how to do so.
    • Adjust Moderation Settings: Temporarily set to limited or moderated mode if possible, to control new content and comments during the blackout.
    • Notify Community Members: Post reminders before the blackout begins, informing members about the purpose, expected duration, and alternative engagement methods.
    • Post-Blackout Strategy: Prepare a plan to notify members of next steps post-protest, whether extending the blackout or resuming regular activity.

    If you need to troubleshoot specific issues related to moderation tools or community management during this period, please provide more details. We’re here to assist you in ensuring a smooth and effective protest while maintaining community engagement.

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