4chan faces potential breach amid hacking allegations
The 4chan platform, known for its anonymity, may face a significant data leak following suspected hacking. What does this mean for the platform's users, and is there a risk that the data will be made public?
4chan, an anonymous image board, has been controversial for years. It has survived user and advertiser boycotts and accusations of spreading hate speech. 4chan users have planned DDoS attacks, and conspiracy theories from this platform have allegedly inspired events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol on 6 January. In recent days, 4chan is facing a new challenge following a series of outages that sparked speculation about a possible hack.
Anonymity in question?
4chan offers users anonymity in posting texts and images, but the platform itself collects data such as IP addresses. In the event of a breach, this data could be exposed, constituting a serious privacy violation. Ian Gray from Flashpoint notes that a data leak could reveal the identities of 4chan's administrators and moderators.
— Some users may have registered their email addresses years ago when they were less aware or concerned about their operational security, — adds Gray.
Speculation about the hack arose after a previously banned board appeared on 4chan, and the site was defaced with the message "U GOT HACKED XD". On the competing forum Soyjak.party, screenshots were posted allegedly showing 4chan's backend systems and a list of administrator and moderator usernames with associated email addresses.
Potential consequences for 4chan users
One of the 4chan moderators stated that the hack and leaks are real, as reported by TechCrunch. There were also rumours that the breach was possible due to 4chan using outdated software. Emiliano De Cristofaro from UC Riverside emphasises that if the breach is confirmed, it could have serious consequences for the platform.
Posts on Soyjak.party suggested that members of this forum might have been involved in the attack. One post claimed that the hacker had access to 4chan's systems "for over a year" and disclosed personal data of users and administrators. Screenshots show access to 4chan's internal systems, including databases and user statistics.
In recent years, 4chan has increasingly attracted the attention of US officials. The platform is maintained through investments by a Japanese company. In 2023, WIRED revealed internal 4chan documents showing how the site's policies shape its toxic nature.
If the data is genuine, it could be useful to law enforcement agencies.
— 4chan has been around since at least 2003, which is extremely notable for any online service. Aside from the offensive and often extremist content, a lot of internet culture has originated from 4chan. If this is a death knell for 4chan, other services will likely fill its place. However, the effect of 4chan on the internet cannot be overstated, — says Gray from Flashpoint.
