Kiwi Farms is an online forum that has gained a lot of negative attention over the years. It was founded in 2013 by Joshua Moon, a former 8chan administrator. Originally, the forum focused on mocking one internet personality, but it quickly grew into a larger community. Today, Kiwi Farms is mostly known for online harassment, doxing, and stalking. Many people on the internet call KiwiFarms one of the most dangerous websites because of its harmful content and how it targets vulnerable groups like LGBTQ+, neurodivergent people, and others.
The Dark History Behind Kiwi Farms
Kiwi Farms didn’t start out as the dangerous platform it is known as today. At first, it was called CWCki Forums and was mainly about making fun of Christine Weston Chandler, a popular figure online. However, it didn’t stop there. The forum expanded, and users started targeting random individuals, sharing their private information, and encouraging harassment. Over time, Kiwi Farms built a reputation as a toxic space where online bullying was common. It became a serious issue for many innocent people who just wanted to live their lives peacefully.
How KiwiFarm Became a Hub for Harassment
One of the major reasons KiwiFarm grew so much was its lack of rules. Unlike other forums that ban hate speech and personal attacks, Kiwi Farms encouraged it. People could post whatever they wanted without fear of being banned. This led to many dangerous behaviors like swatting, doxing, and stalking. In some cases, the harassment got so bad that victims faced real-life dangers. Sadly, there are even stories of people dying by suicide because of the relentless attacks they faced after being targeted on Kiwi Farms.
The #DropKiwiFarm Movement and Why It Matters
In 2022, KiwiFarm became the target of a massive campaign called #DropKiwiFarms. This movement was started by Clara Sorrenti, a transgender Twitch streamer also known as “Keffals.” After being swatted due to Kiwi Farms users, Sorrenti launched the campaign to get service providers to stop supporting the site. The goal was simple: shut down KiwiFarms and prevent further harm. The movement gained huge support online, and people from around the world demanded action against the website’s dangerous behavior.
Cloudflare Takes a Stand Against KiwiFarm
Cloudflare, a major internet security company, made headlines when it decided to cut services to Kiwi Farms. In September 2022, Cloudflare said KiwiFarms was “an immediate threat to human life” and removed their protection. This was a big move because Cloudflare usually avoids taking sides in content moderation debates. The removal made KiwiFarms almost impossible to access for a while. Many people saw this as a major victory for internet safety and a step forward in protecting marginalized communities from online abuse.
Kiwi Farms’ Attempts to Stay Online
Even after Cloudflare dropped them, KiwiFarms didn’t completely disappear. The site tried to move to different service providers and use new hosting solutions to survive. However, each time they resurfaced, campaigns against them pressured the new providers to kick them off. Today, while KiwiFarms might exist in small pockets, it has nowhere near the same power and reach it once did. The ongoing efforts to stop KiwiFarms show how important it is to fight against online harassment and protect victims.
Why Kiwi Farms Sparks a Big Debate About Free Speech
The story of Kiwi Farms raises tough questions about free speech and internet censorship. Some people argue that shutting down websites like KiwiFarms is a threat to free speech. Others say that when speech leads to real-world harm, action must be taken. The truth is, balancing free speech with public safety is very tricky. The KiwiFarms controversy highlights why companies like Cloudflare must think carefully about who they provide services to and what content they are willing to support.
Conclusion: Kiwi Farms and the Future of Internet Safety
Kiwi Farms showed the dark side of online communities. While the internet can be a place for connection and creativity, it can also be a tool for harm. The shutdown of KiwiFarms was a major win for those who believe in making the internet a safer place. But the battle isn’t over. As technology evolves, new harmful platforms could appear. It’s up to service providers, activists, and users to continue fighting for a safer, kinder internet where everyone is protected from harassment and bullying.
FAQs About Kiwi Farms
What is Kiwi Farms?
Kiwi Farms is an online forum known for harassment, doxing, and stalking of individuals, especially those in marginalized groups.
Who started Kiwi Farms?
The site was founded by Joshua Moon in 2013 after being involved with 8chan.
Why was Kiwi Farms controversial?
Kiwi Farms became notorious for encouraging targeted harassment, leading to real-world harm and even deaths in some cases.
What is the #DropKiwiFarms campaign?
Launched by activist Clara Sorrenti (“Keffals”), it aimed to pressure internet companies to stop supporting KiwiFarms.
Is Kiwi Farms still active?
After being dropped by major service providers like Cloudflare, KiwiFarms struggles to stay online and is now much less influential.
Did Cloudflare remove Kiwi Farms?
Yes, in 2022, Cloudflare removed their protection, calling KiwiFarms a danger to human life.What does KiwiFarms teach us about the internet?
It shows how easily online spaces can turn toxic without proper rules and how important it is to protect vulnerable individuals online.
