Notorious image board 4chan hacked and internal data leaked

Tech Crunch - Apr 15th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

The infamous internet forum 4chan was hacked on Tuesday, resulting in significant data leaks that have exposed the site's backend and moderator details. Users on social media reported intermittent outages of the site, while a rival message board celebrated the breach. Screenshots circulating online purportedly show 4chan's source code and internal templates, alongside a list of moderators and janitors, who have varying levels of control over content and user information. The breach could potentially reveal the identities of those running the forum, known for its connections to alt-right movements. A 4chan janitor, speaking anonymously to TechCrunch, confirmed the authenticity of the leaked data and expressed concern over the extent of the breach, which also includes personal information of 4chan Pass subscribers.

4chan, often described as an anonymous internet forum, has been a hub for both innocuous memes and harmful rhetoric that have influenced real-world events. Its political boards are notorious for radicalizing young users, spreading alt-right rhetoric, and inspiring acts of violence. The platform's connection to far-right movements raises significant concerns about the implications of this hack. Past 4chan users have been involved in major violent incidents, underscoring the potential risks associated with the exposure of its internal workings. This breach represents not only a threat to 4chan's operations but also a potential shift in the dynamics of online extremist communities.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and clear account of the alleged hack on 4chan, supported by credible sources and direct quotes. It effectively balances current events with historical context, offering a comprehensive view of the situation. However, the lack of an official response from 4chan and the absence of detailed verification for some claims limit the story's completeness and impact. The article engages readers with its timely and relevant content, addressing significant public interest issues related to cybersecurity and online extremism. Overall, the story is well-constructed, though it could benefit from additional verification and perspectives to enhance its balance and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a factual account of the alleged hack on 4chan, mentioning the site's downtime, leaked data, and the claims from a rival message board about the hacker's prolonged access. These claims are supported by multiple sources, which strengthens their credibility. However, the article does not provide direct evidence or confirmation from 4chan itself, as the site did not respond to requests for comment. This leaves some factual gaps, particularly concerning the depth of the breach and the identity of the hacker. The article accurately describes 4chan's history and its cultural impact, which is well-documented in other sources. Overall, the story is largely accurate, but some details remain unverified.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from both the alleged hacker's side and a 4chan janitor, who expresses concern over the leak. However, it does not include a response from 4chan's official representatives, which could provide a counterbalance to the claims made by the hacker and the janitor. The article also focuses heavily on 4chan's negative aspects, such as its ties to alt-right movements, without acknowledging any potential positive uses of the platform. This could create a perception of bias against 4chan.

9
Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the events of the hack, the implications of the leaked data, and the historical context of 4chan. The language is straightforward, making complex issues accessible to a general audience. The tone is neutral, focusing on presenting facts rather than sensationalizing the events. The structure effectively combines current events with background information, enhancing reader comprehension.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including direct quotes from a 4chan janitor and observations from TechCrunch. The sources are relevant and have some authority on the subject, given their involvement with or coverage of 4chan. However, the absence of an official statement from 4chan limits the completeness of the source quality. The reliance on social media reports and rival message boards introduces some uncertainty, as these sources can be less reliable.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, mentioning TechCrunch and social media users. It also discloses the anonymity of the 4chan janitor, explaining their reason for anonymity due to potential repercussions. However, the article does not clearly explain how it verified the authenticity of the leaked data, nor does it provide insight into the methodology of gathering information from rival message boards. This lack of transparency in verification processes is a notable omission.

Sources

  1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/4chan-data-emails-and-contact-info-leaked-alleged-soyjack-party-sharty-hack-leads-to-speculations-101744730795998.html
  2. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/15/notorious-image-board-4chan-hacked-and-internal-data-leaked/
  3. https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/15/4chan_breached/
  4. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/infamous-message-board-4chan-taken-down-following-major-hack/
  5. https://indianexpress.com/article/world/4chan-hacked-hard-x-users-claim-massive-data-breach-exposes-emails-database-9946237/