Engadget Podcast: The death of 4chan (for now)

In a shocking turn of events, 4chan, the notorious online forum known for its controversial and often inflammatory content, may be shutting down permanently following a major hack last week. Hosts Devindra Hardawar and Cherlynn Low delve into the history and pervasive influence of 4chan, highlighting how its culture has seeped into various aspects of internet behavior and meme culture. The potential demise of 4chan marks a significant shift in the online landscape, as it has long been a bastion for anonymous, and often unchecked, digital expression.
Simultaneously, YouTube is celebrating its 20th anniversary, prompting reflections on its impact over the years. The platform has been a source of countless memories and frustrations, shaping the way we consume video content. This milestone highlights YouTube's evolution from a simple video-sharing site to a global media powerhouse, influencing creators and viewers alike. The discussion also touches on other tech developments, such as the pre-order launch of Nintendo's Switch 2 and significant fines imposed on tech giants Apple and Meta under new European regulations.
RATING
The article covers a range of timely and relevant topics, including the potential shutdown of 4chan, YouTube's 20th anniversary, and other tech-related news. While it is clear and accessible, the lack of depth and supporting evidence for key claims, particularly regarding 4chan, reduces its overall accuracy and impact. The article would benefit from more balanced perspectives and authoritative sources to enhance credibility and engagement. Despite these weaknesses, the article's timeliness and public interest value make it a worthwhile read for those interested in tech and internet culture. However, readers should approach the claims with a critical eye and seek additional information to verify the assertions made.
RATING DETAILS
The article suggests that 4chan could be gone for good following a hack, which is a significant claim that requires verification. The story does not provide evidence or details about the hack itself, making it difficult to assess the truthfulness of this assertion. Additionally, the claim that 4chan's influence is 'practically everywhere' is broad and lacks specific examples or data to substantiate it. The accuracy of other claims, such as YouTube's 20th birthday or Nintendo's Switch 2 availability, can be easily verified through public records and announcements. However, the lack of precise information and sources for the 4chan claim reduces the overall accuracy score.
The article primarily focuses on the potential shutdown of 4chan and its widespread influence, but it lacks a balanced view by not presenting counterarguments or perspectives from those who might see 4chan differently. The narrative seems to lean towards a negative portrayal of 4chan as a 'trolliest place,' which could benefit from additional viewpoints or expert opinions to provide a more nuanced discussion. The coverage of other topics like YouTube's anniversary and Nintendo's Switch 2 is more straightforward and less prone to bias, but the article could still improve by including diverse perspectives on 4chan's role and impact.
The article is relatively clear in its language and structure, making it easy to follow the main topics discussed. The transitions between different sections, such as 4chan, YouTube, and Nintendo, are straightforward, although the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of each topic. The tone is neutral, but the lack of depth in the discussion of 4chan's influence and the hack reduces overall clarity. The article's structure allows for easy navigation, but more context would enhance comprehension.
The article does not cite specific sources for its claims, particularly regarding the 4chan hack and its potential shutdown. The lack of attribution to credible sources or experts diminishes the reliability of the information presented. While it mentions hosts and producers, it does not reference external authorities or evidence to support its claims. This absence of source diversity and authority affects the article's credibility and the reader's ability to trust the information.
The article lacks transparency in terms of providing context or methodology for its claims, especially regarding the 4chan hack. It does not disclose the basis for its assertions or any potential conflicts of interest that might affect impartiality. While it mentions the hosts and producer, there is no explanation of how the information was gathered or verified. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for readers to understand the foundation of the article's claims.
Sources
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/15/notorious-image-board-4chan-hacked-and-internal-data-leaked/
- https://www.livenowfox.com/news/4chan-shut-down-after-hack
- https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/15/4chan_breached/
- https://news.sky.com/story/is-this-the-end-of-notorious-4chan-internet-forum-13349823
- https://aardwolfsecurity.com/4chan-hack-the-devastating-2025-data-breach/
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

EU Fines Apple $570 Million And Meta $228 Million For Digital Market Rules Violations
Score 7.0
The EU isn’t happy with Apple’s tax on alternative app stores
Score 7.0
Apple and Meta hit with first fines under Europe's new Digital Markets Act
Score 6.8
Apple and Meta hit with the EU’s first DMA antitrust fines
Score 7.2