Cybersecurity Community Takes a Stand: A Planned Blackout in Response to API Changes

From June 12th to June 14th, the r/cybersecurity subreddit will temporarily transition to a private setting as part of a collective protest against Reddit’s controversial changes to its API policies, which have severely impacted third-party applications.

In light of recent feedback gathered through community discussions and moderator communications, it is clear that a significant majority of our members are in favor of urging Reddit to reconsider or amend its recent API restrictions. This stance has prompted us to take action—should Reddit not reverse its decision, r/cybersecurity will participate in a 48-hour blackout.

During this blackout period, the subreddit will be inaccessible to new members and users who are not logged in. We strongly encourage everyone to refrain from visiting Reddit altogether during this time. We invite our community members to share suggestions on how we can utilize the blackout effectively. Potential ideas include limiting new posts and comments, exploring alternative platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, or perhaps creating a general discussion thread.

The outcome of this situation is uncertain. Reddit may choose to revise its policies in response to our protest, or they could take measures that further erode trust, such as removing moderator privileges or enforcing public access to the subreddit. Regardless of the outcome, we appreciate the support and engagement from each of you during these challenging times.

For further details on the situation and its implications, please refer to the following resources:

• A clear infographic explaining the issue at hand
• Our original post detailing concerns over third-party app access
• Insights from a comprehensive open letter discussing the repercussions of the new API pricing on moderators and communities
• A growing list of major Reddit communities participating in the blackout

Let’s unite in our efforts to advocate for a platform that supports user choice and fosters a vibrant community. Your input and solidarity are invaluable as we navigate this challenge together.