4chan’s website was hacked on Tuesday, with the site experiencing outages and intermittent downtime. Users on social media reported issues with accessing the site for hours. Screenshots of the alleged back end, source code, and internal data surfaced online, sparking concerns. These leaked files included information about 4chan’s moderators, janitors, and internal processes, which are usually confidential.
The breach potentially exposes 4chan’s staff members, especially given the site’s association with violent political movements. Some of the leaked data included personal information of users who subscribe to 4chan Pass, which allows VIP access. A 4chan janitor, who spoke anonymously to TechCrunch, confirmed the authenticity of the leaks and expressed concern.
They mentioned that while leaks had occurred before, the scale and impact of this one were unprecedented.
The janitor described the situation as concerning, with the breach not just exposing internal details, but also threatening 4chan’s continued operation. They worried that the hacker might have access to far more sensitive data, including personal details of many 4chan users.
Despite 4chan’s history of fostering dangerous rhetoric, the janitor stressed that many moderators and janitors were caught off guard by the breach’s scope.
4chan is known for its dark, controversial side, often being a hub for vile content and radical political discourse. The site has played a significant role in promoting memes and ideologies, including alt-right beliefs and white supremacy. Events like the Christchurch shooting and Buffalo massacre were tied to users influenced by 4chan’s political boards. This breach adds to the mounting concerns surrounding the site’s cultural impact and its security vulnerabilities.
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