The notoriously anonymous message board 4chan is facing what may be its most serious crisis yet. A suspected hack—believed to have stemmed from internal conflict—has sparked fears that the identities of some of the site’s longtime administrators and moderators could be exposed.

The breach, which became public late Monday and into Tuesday, follows years of controversy surrounding 4chan, a platform known for its unfiltered content, meme culture, and its role in fueling online conspiracy theories. While the site has weathered advertiser boycotts and criticism for hosting extremist content, this latest incident threatens the very structure that has kept it alive: anonymity.

The core value proposition of 4chan is its promise of anonymity. But like most web platforms, it collects user data, including IP addresses. That means a breach of its backend could lead to the exposure of individuals who have operated behind pseudonyms for years—some since the site’s founding in 2003.

Security researcher Ian Gray of Flashpoint noted that while users may assume anonymity, “some registered their emails years ago when operational security wasn’t a major concern.” Gray warned that the apparent leak—if verified—could jeopardize the privacy of moderators and staff, some of whom may now be targeted by disgruntled users or law enforcement.

The hack was first hinted at when a previously banned board reappeared and the site was defaced with the message “U GOT HACKED XD.” Shortly after, an account on the rival forum Soyjak.party shared screenshots allegedly showing 4chan’s backend, including administrator emails and internal databases. Soyjak.party users then began posting what they claimed were doxes of exposed staff members.

As of this writing, WIRED has not confirmed the authenticity of the leaked material. Emails sent to contacts linked to 4chan and the allegedly exposed administrators have gone unanswered. However, a current moderator reportedly told TechCrunch that the breach was indeed real.

Adding to the speculation is the possibility that 4chan’s infrastructure has not been properly maintained. One theory suggests the site may have been running on outdated software, making it vulnerable to attack. Emiliano De Cristofaro, a professor at UC Riverside who has studied 4chan’s influence, said this neglect could have created an opening for hackers. “If true, this breach could mark the beginning of the end for 4chan as we know it,” he said.

Some posts on Soyjak.party claim that hackers had access to 4chan’s systems for over a year, collecting data and mapping its backend. Shared images show admin-level access to user stats, post deletions, and even source code. The broader implications are still unfolding, but if true, this could have legal ramifications, especially given 4chan’s reputation as a hub for extremist activity.

4chan has long drawn attention from government officials, particularly in recent years as its content and influence have come under greater scrutiny. While it continues to operate with investment support—reportedly from a Japanese firm—its ability to weather a direct hit to its infrastructure and leadership privacy is uncertain.

“If verified, this breach could aid law enforcement in tracking activity tied to real-world incidents,” Gray added. “4chan’s influence on internet culture is undeniable, but its time may be running out.”

In the digital age, anonymity is currency—and 4chan may be watching its balance run dry.