8chan: The History and Legacy of an Anonymous Imageboard

8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More (also known as Infinitechan or ∞chan) was founded in 2013 by programmer Fredrick Brennan. His vision was to create a completely free imageboard where users could create their own boards and set their own moderation rules. This made 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More distinct from more established boards like 4chan and 2chan, where topics and rules were tightly controlled by site administrators.

The site branded itself as “The Free Speech Alternative.”

Key Features

User-created boards.
Anyone could start a board and run it as they saw fit, which led to an enormous range of topics—from gaming and music to highly niche interests.

Minimal censorship.
Site-wide intervention was rare. Rules were set at the board level, giving moderators significant autonomy.

Anonymity.
Like other imageboards, 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More required no registration, allowing users to remain fully anonymous.

Reputation and Controversies

Over time, 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More gained a notorious reputation:

Because of lax moderation, boards hosting extremist content, conspiracy theories, and fringe ideologies flourished.

The site was linked to mass shootings after attackers posted manifestos there (including the Christchurch and El Paso shootings).

In 2019, the site was forced offline after losing support from hosting providers and service partners.

Rebirth as 8kun

Later in 2019, 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More resurfaced under a new name: 8kun. It was taken over by Jim Watkins and his son, Ron Watkins.

The site relaunched under new domains, including .onion addresses accessible via Tor.

Operators promised stricter rules, though critics and the media continued to associate the site with extremist and fringe communities.

8kun played a key role in the spread of the QAnon conspiracy movement, reinforcing its controversial image.

Cultural Impact

Despite its controversies, 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More made a mark on internet history:

• It demonstrated both the potential and the dangers of a fully decentralized, user-run platform.
• It served as a hub where memes, radical ideas, and niche subcultures could grow and spread.
• For digital culture researchers, 8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More represents both the creativity and the chaos that anonymous, unmoderated communities can generate.

Conclusion

8chan8chan was launched in 2013 as a “free speech” alternative to 4chan, allowing users to create and moderate their own boards with minimal oversight. Its decentralized model led to a huge range of communities but also attracted extremist content, conspiracy theories, and controversy. After being linked to several mass shooting manifestos, the site was taken offline in 2019 but soon resurfaced as 8kun. Today, it remains one of the most controversial imageboards in internet history, symbolizing both radical free expression and the risks of unmoderated anonymity. More remains one of the most controversial platforms in internet history. For some, it symbolizes free speech and community-driven expression; for others, it is a breeding ground for extremism and toxic ideologies. Its story shows that while absolute decentralization and minimal moderation can foster diversity and creativity, they also carry serious social risks.