8chan
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Type of site
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Imageboard |
|---|---|
| Available in | English, Japanese (users can create language specific boards) |
| Owner | , N.T. Technology (2channel) |
| Created by | Fredrick Brennan |
| Website | 8ch |
| Alexa rank |
 10,955 (October 2016[update]) |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | October 22, 2013 |
| Current status | Online |
8chan, also called Infinitechan, is a proprietary American imageboard website composed of user-created boards. Each board is moderated by its respective creator, with minimal interaction from other site administration.
The site allows any content to be posted, so long as it adheres to United States law.
Several of the site's boards have played an active role in the Gamergate controversy, encouraging Gamergate affiliates to frequent 8chan after the topic was banned on the unaffiliated imageboard 4chan. The site has been linked to Internet subcultures and activism, most notably the alt-right.
As of August 2015, the site was the 10,204th most visited site in the world, and in November 2014, it was receiving an average of 35,000 unique visitors per day and 400,000 posts per week when it was at a higher rank.
8chan was created in October 2013 by computer programmer Fredrick Brennan, also known by the nickname "Hotwheels." Brennan created the website after he observed what he perceived to be rapidly escalating surveillance and a loss of free speech on the Internet. Brennan, who considers the imageboard 4chan to have grown into authoritarianism, describes 8chan as a "free-speech-friendly" alternative, and originally conceptualized the site while experiencing a psychedelic mushrooms trip.
No experience or programming knowledge is necessary for users to create their own boards. Since as early as March 2014, its FAQ has stated only one rule that is to be globally enforced: "Do not post, request, or link to any content illegal in the United States of America. Do not create boards with the sole purpose of posting or spreading such content." Brennan has claimed that, while he finds some of the content posted by users to be "reprehensible," he feels personally obligated to uphold the site's integrity by tolerating discussion he does not necessarily support regardless of his moral stance.
Brennan agreed to partner 8chan with the Japanese message board 2channel, and subsequently relocated to the Philippines in October 2014.
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