R/Cybersecurity to Go Private: A Stand Against Reddit’s API Changes
From June 12th to 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily transition to a private setting as a form of protest against Reddit’s recent modifications to its API and the impact these changes have on third-party applications.
After carefully reviewing the community’s feedback and discussions through modmail, it has become clear that a significant portion of our members strongly desire a reversal or modification of Reddit’s decision to restrict access to third-party apps. As a result, if no adjustment is made to these policies before the 12th, r/cybersecurity will participate in a 48-hour blackout, commencing June 12th and concluding on June 14th.
During this period, access to the subreddit will be limited to existing members only, and new or unauthenticated users will be unable to join. It is also highly encouraged that all users refrain from visiting Reddit during this time. We value your input, and if you’d like to share suggestions on actions or discussions we could initiate during the blackout—such as promoting alternative platforms like Mastodon or Lemmy, or hosting a general discussion thread—please feel free to comment below.
The outcome of this protest remains uncertain; Reddit might reconsider its stance, or they may respond with measures that further undermine the community’s trust, potentially including the removal of moderators or mandating the subreddit to remain public. Regardless of the outcome, we appreciate the opportunity to serve and engage with all of you.
For more information on the ongoing situation and its implications, we encourage you to explore the following resources:
- A concise infographic explaining the situation.
- Details on why it’s crucial to protect third-party apps.
- An open letter addressing API pricing and its impact on both moderators and user communities.
- A list of major Reddit communities participating in the blackout.
Thank you for your ongoing support and
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Helpful Tips for Managing Subreddit Visibility During Protests
If you’re planning to participate in or support the r/cybersecurity blackout protest, it’s important to communicate clearly with your community members. You might consider creating a sticky post with all relevant information, including dates, reasons for the protest, and alternative platforms to connect.
To ensure your subreddit remains accessible to loyal members during the private period, verify your subreddit’s privacy settings and make sure that the ‘Members Only’ option is appropriately configured. Additionally, you can inform your community about potential mod actions or automated messages to guide users.
Implementing Custom CSS or Messages During the Protest
If you wish to display custom banners or messages notifying visitors of the temporary change, consider using a stylesheet or mod tools to customize appearance and communication.
Encouraging Alternative Engagement
Since Reddit limits access during the blackout, it’s beneficial to promote Mastodon, Lemmy, or other forums as alternative platforms.