r/Cybersecurity Joins Blackout Protest Against Reddit’s API Changes

Dear Readers,

In response to the community feedback gathered from our discussion and through modmail, it has become clear that a significant portion of our members strongly oppose Reddit’s latest changes, which include the termination of third-party applications and new restrictions on the API.

To express our collective discontent, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily go private from June 12th to June 14th. This 48-hour blackout aims to urge Reddit to reconsider its API policy. If no steps are taken to rectify this situation, we will put the question to our community: should we extend the protest or explore different actions?

During this blackout, new members and unauthenticated users will not have access to our subreddit. We encourage all community members to refrain from visiting Reddit during this time as a show of solidarity. If you have suggestions on how we can utilize this period effectively—such as discussing alternative platforms like Mastodon or creating a general chat thread—please share your thoughts in the comments below.

The outcome remains uncertain; Reddit may choose to retract its changes, or it could escalate tensions by removing moderators or forcing us to keep the subreddit public. Regardless of the outcome, it has been a privilege serving as your moderators.

For those seeking more information about this situation, here are some valuable resources:

• Infographic: Check out this concise infographic illustrating the impact of Reddit’s API changes.
• Community Discussion Link: Engage in the conversation here.
• Open Letter: Read an in-depth letter addressing the implications of the API alterations for moderators and communities.
• Participating Communities: Discover which other major Reddit communities are joining this essential protest.

Thank you for your support as we navigate this challenging situation together. Your voice matters!

Best regards,
The r/Cybersecurity Mod Team