Former members of 8chan have scattered across the internet after the far-right site was shut down over the weekend, finding new homes in other right wing sites, on encrypted messaging services, and on major social media platforms . . . Among the sites 8chan users appear to be relocating to is Gab, the forum frequented by the alleged shooter in the November 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack. In a statement released on Wednesday, Gab said it was adding more than 1,000 users a day as 'big tech bans people'.[1]
152. The EAU notes that the culture of 4chan is not welcoming to people claiming to be involved in organised groups, viewing them as either:
government-led hoaxes designed to entrap people, or ineffective clusters of people playing games rather than taking action . . . in contrast, 4chan and 8chan praise lone actor attackers such as Brenton Tarrant, perceived to be focused on causing chaos rather than associated with a specific group with an overt ideology.[2]
Online fora and dedicated extremist websites
153. There are a number of dedicated extremist websites and online haunts, frequented by the most extreme elements of the Far Right, such as Stormfront and Fascist Forge. JTAC advises that these sites, along with the fringe social networking sites above, are key influencers, ***.
Secure messaging applications
154. Secure messaging applications (SMAs) are messaging applications which use encryption to keep messages secure. For example:
- Telegram, which includes features such as self-deleting messages (***). JTAC assesses that ***.[3]
- Tutanota, which offers end-to-end encryption of emails (***).
155. They are used by ERWT groups and individuals to plan meetings, exchange media and propaganda and communicate with other like-minded individuals. This is all achieved in a space with more robust communications security than through social media sites. JTAC assesses that it is this enhanced security which is so ***. As ERWT groups in the UK, such as National Action and Sonnenkrieg Division (both now proscribed organisations), expand their links with ERWT individuals and groups based in ***, it is likely that their reliance on SMAS will increase. However, JTAC acknowledges that:
***.[4]
- ↑ '8chan: Ex-users of far-right site flock to new homes across the internet', The Guardian, 9 August 2019.
- ↑ RICU, 'Atomwaffen Division and the evolution of the international White Supremacist movement', September 2020.
- ↑ JTAC paper, 4 July 2019.
- ↑ JTAC paper, 4 July 2019.
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