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| File:InfiniteChan∞chanLogo.svgThe 8chan logo | |
| Type of site | Imageboard |
|---|---|
| Available in | English (users can create language specific boards) |
| Owner | Frederick Brennan |
| URL | https://www.8chan.co/ |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | None available |
8chan, stylized as ∞chan (infinitechan), is an American image board created on October 22nd, 2013, where users generally post anonymously, with the most recent posts appearing above the rest. ∞chan is split into various boards with their own specific content and guidelines. Registration is not required, nor is it possible (except for staff). A primary difference to 4chan is the ability for users to create their own boards.
It played a central role during the Gamergate controversy, where users who felt dissuaded by 4chan moderation on GamerGate, migrated to. As a result of its anonymous nature and the ability for user created subforums, it has received criticism for its harassment of certain media figures and for its sexually explicit boards oriented around children.
Gamergate controversy and harassment
As a result of its anonymous nature, a portion of ∞chan userbase has harassed and attacked notable women online within the realm of video game culture, namely Anita Sarkeesian, Brianna Wu, and Zoe Quinn due to their roles in the Gamergate controversy. They have prompted death and rape threats, released the personal information of, and as a result, have apparently forced all of three women to flee said homes as a result of alleged threats on their lives.
Free speech nature
∞chan's owner, Frederick Brennan, created the site in October 2013 at the perceived loss of free speech on the Internet. As a result, numerous user created boards have been created to circulate sexually oriented images of children. On one such board, users dismiss any idea of complaint against said images, referring to users who disagree against sharing said material as 'moralfags', a term centered around dismissal of said concerns of misconduct or illegal content or plain objection. The website also hosts boards where pedophiles discuss child grooming techniques and other such things. When asked on whether free speech had the consequence of such boards, Frederick Brennan responded, "Unfortunately, yes, I don’t support the content on the boards you mentioned, but it is simply the cost of free speech and being the only active site to not impose more ‘laws’ than those that were passed in Washington, D.C.”
References
- "Anita Sarkeesian's 'Colbert' segment brought out Gamergate's worst". The Daily Dot.
- "Brianna Wu and the human cost of Gamergate: 'Every woman I know in the industry is scared'".
- "Brianna Wu forced to flee her home after Twitter threats - Daily Mail Online". Mail Online.
- Andy Cush. "These Are the Creepy 4Chan Successors Behind Gamergate's Pathetic War". Gawker.
- Keith Stuart. "Brianna Wu and the human cost of Gamergate: 'every woman I know in the industry is scared'". the Guardian.
- "GamerGate Death Threats - Business Insider". Business Insider. October 13, 2014.
- "Sarkeesian driven out of home by online abuse and death threats". Polygon.
- "8chan, the central hive of Gamergate, is also an active pedophile network". The Daily Dot.