A week has passed since a major hack left the notorious imageboard 4chan offline, and speculation grows that it may never return.

Founded in 2003, 4chan has served as an unrefined, unmoderated, and totally anonymous space, becoming infamous for its chaotic blend of online culture. In a recent report, the platform was described as “the internet’s favorite hotspot of moral bankruptcy” by Vice, illustrating the complex legacy associated with it.

Even those unfamiliar with its workings have likely heard of 4chan. The site has influenced various societal trends, including a 2018 Southern Poverty Law Center report that highlighted its role in the rise of the alt-right amidst rampant online trolling.

The recent security breach isn’t just about backlash or ethical concerns. It reportedly stemmed from an existing rivalry with another imageboard, Soyjack.party, which celebrated the attack publicly.

Details surrounding the breach remain vague, but reports suggest the damage was extensive. A hacker compromised user accounts, exposing personal data and internal structures. Recent reports claim that the hacker revealed sensitive internal data and even a list of moderators, leading to a growing unease over the future of the platform.

Although some in the community express a nonchalant attitude about the doxxing—a common occurrence on 4chan—others fear the implications of being linked to controversial content and movements.

Experts suggest that a restoration of the site is contingent not just on re-establishing servers, but also on addressing significant security vulnerabilities. Some administrators have hinted at ongoing restoration efforts, yet many users in 4chan’s IRC channels have accepted the likelihood that this might mark the end of an era.

As days go by, the prospect of 4chan’s revival seems increasingly grim, leaving the digital landscape to speculate on what could fill the void.