Is 4chan gone? What happened to the notorious message board

LOS ANGELES - The anonymous online message board 4chan — long known for its role in internet culture and more recently for hosting controversial content — has remained offline for nearly a week following a major reported hack.

According to a previous report from Reuters, the breach appears to have exposed internal systems, including moderator tools and identifying information. Screenshots allegedly showing 4chan’s backend infrastructure began circulating online, and a defunct section of the site briefly reappeared with the phrase "U GOT HACKED" across the top.

What is 4chan?

Launched in 2003, 4chan is an anonymous imageboard where users can post text and images across a wide range of topic boards — from video games and anime to politics and adult content. 

The platform became known for its minimal moderation, raw tone, and viral influence on internet culture. While it played a role in meme creation and early internet activism, it also developed a reputation for hosting offensive, harmful, and sometimes extremist content. 

Over the years, it’s been linked to various online movements, trolling campaigns, and controversial subcultures.

What we know about the 4chan hack

The backstory:

Cybersecurity analyst Alon Gal, co-founder of Hudson Rock, told Reuters the screenshots "look legit," noting that they include backend tools and access logs. TechCrunch, which reviewed the materials, cited an unnamed 4chan moderator who said they had no reason to dispute the authenticity of the leaks.

Reuters was unable to confirm the source of the breach. Emails sent to 4chan’s press account went unanswered. One of the alleged moderators, contacted through a 4chan email address, directed Reuters to a video statement — which turned out to be an unrelated explicit video. A second request for comment was met with another similar link.

Big picture view:

According to PC Gamer, the hacker may have had access to 4chan’s systems for over a year before launching the attack. The breach reportedly exposed moderator and "janitor" accounts — users with limited moderation privileges — and included names tied to .edu and .gov email domains.

4chan, founded in 2003, was originally built as an anonymous hub for internet communities. Over time, it became a well-known source of internet memes, trolling, and extreme political rhetoric. The site has also been connected to the early formation of Anonymous, the rise of the alt-right, and the spread of nonconsensual AI-generated content.

A 2018 Southern Poverty Law Center report linked 4chan’s culture to online extremism. In 2021, the game Minecraft removed a long-standing reference to its gaming board due to its toxic reputation.

What they're saying:

Some believe the hack may have marked the end of the platform altogether. PC Gamer reported that "with every single user of note doxxed, the site’s servers decimated, and the admin team in disarray, it’s unlikely 4chan will be back up soon. Or ever."

One 4chan janitor told TechCrunch that the data appeared real and added, "Doxxing is a longstanding pastime on 4chan, and the possibility that we could be exposed has always been there."

What's next:

As of April 21, the site remains offline, with no official word from its administrators about if or when it will return. With the site’s infrastructure compromised and its leadership silent, longtime users and observers say the era of 4chan may be coming to an end.