4chan’s creator says ‘Epstein had nothing to do’ with creating infamous far-right board /pol/
The Verge
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
4chan’s founder, Chris 'moot' Poole, has addressed speculation linking Jeffrey Epstein to the creation of the site's infamous /pol/ board, which became a hub for far-right movements like QAnon. In a statement to *The Verge*, Poole clarified that the decision to launch the "politically incorrect" message board was made weeks prior to any encounter with Epstein. He emphasized that the board went live nearly 24 hours before his first meeting with Epstein at a social event, dismissing claims of coordination.
The timing of these events sparked intrigue after documents released by the Department of Justice revealed emails involving Epstein and venture capitalist Boris Nikolic. Some speculated that Epstein may have had a hand in shaping 4chan’s trajectory, but Poole insists this is purely coincidental. The /pol/ board, known for its controversial content, emerged independently as part of 4chan’s evolution into hosting multiple themed boards.
The significance of this clarification lies in its implications for understanding the origins and early dynamics of online communities like /pol/. These platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping modern internet culture and political discourse, often serving as breeding grounds for fringe movements. By addressing the Epstein connection, Poole aims to separate fact from conjecture, ensuring that 4chan’s history is understood on its own terms.
For tech enthusiasts and those interested in online culture, this story highlights the complex interplay between individual decisions and external influences in shaping digital spaces. It also underscores the challenges of managing online communities, where even minor changes can have far-reaching consequences. Poole’s statement serves as a reminder that while technology platforms are often shaped by their creators, they can also be subject to external scrutiny and speculation.
Ultimately, the debate over 4chan’s /pol/ board reflects broader conversations about responsibility, intent, and impact in tech. As online spaces continue to influence politics, culture, and society, understanding their origins and evolution becomes increasingly important for both users and developers alike.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/13/2026