Anonymity-focused imageboard website prioritizing user privacy and freedom of expression.
Lainchan is an imageboard and discussion forum website launched in 2014 with a strong focus on free speech, privacy, and anonymity. Inspired by 4chan and the cyberpunk anime Serial Experiments Lain, Lainchan has a minimalist old-school interface with very little advertising or web trackers.
Users do not need an account to post content and there is no email or IP logging. Everything is automatically deleted after a set time period. Moderation of content is extremely limited - illegal content is removed but almost anything else is permitted under free speech. There is an emphasis on privacy, anti-censorship and anonymity rather than modern social networking concepts.
The minimalism and anonymity can lead to objectionable content but also allows for discussion and sharing of concepts not permitted on more regulated websites. The lack of accounts and totalitarian administration is seen by users as a reaction against increasing censorship and lack of free speech on commercial sites.
As an imageboard focused on privacy, Lainchan intentionally avoids modern features like custom profiles, news feeds, likes, private messaging, and social network integration. The culture is closer to old anonymous message boards where controversial concepts and humor could be shared freely with less fear of judgment or bans.