As if AT&T wasnt already bad enough. In an act that is sure to spark internet rebellions everywhere, AT&T has apparently declared war on the extremely popular imageboard 4chan.org, blocking some of the sites most popular message boards, including /r9k/ and the infamous /b/. m00t, who started 4chan and continues to run the site, has posted a note to the 4chan status blog indicating that AT&T is in fact filtering/blocking the site for many of its customers (were still trying to confirm from AT&Ts side).

Reports of the blocking began to surface on reddit this afternoon, and a number of blogs are beginning to pick up on the story, though it doesnt seem like any have managed to get a comment from AT&T (weve reached out to the company and will update once we hear back).

4chan has been called many things, most of which arent particularly flattering. Some parts of the site are entirely unmoderated, leading to a wild-west, highly NSFW environment where irreverance, mischief, and lewdness thrive (I like to think of it as the Mos Eisley of the web). But that doesnt mean the site isnt extremely influential on web culture. Many of its exploits are famous, including taking over the Time 100 list, and its also where some of the Internets most famous memes got their start, including the Rick Roll and LOLcats. Its also known as the main hub for Anonymous, a group that has held a very public campaign against Scientology.

In other words, AT&T has just opened perhaps the most vindictive, messy can of worms it could have possibly found. Blocking any site is an extreme breach of user trust, but the decision to block 4chan in particular just seems stupid. Expect the web equivalent of rioting if this doesnt change soon.

By signing this Petition Statement you will be supporting 4chan.org and letting AT&T know that we WILL NOT stand for Internet Censorship. Freedom of Speech & Imagery.