Christoper Poole, founder of 4chan, has said that his Facebook opposite number was “totally wrong” to equate a desire for online anonymity with cowardice.

Poole said: “To fail in an environment where you’re being identified by your real name is costly,” adding that at 4chan: “we value content over creator.”

Where Facebook has become the mainstream portal of choice from everyone from your office colleagues to your granny 4chan tended to skirt closer to the fringes of internet society, acting as a platform for the distribution of tasteless images and as a springboard for the Anonymous campaign group.

Conceding that his site wasn’t always a wholesome portal Poole observed: “I don’t recommend you go poking around without knowing what you’re clicking on.”