I have a question for the Q experts. What is with the apparent base 64 string, currently !4pRcUA0lBE , and what prompts a change?
That’s called the “trip code”.
It’s a means of identifying Q and preventing imposters from posting as Q. I assume it’s a hash code of whatever password Q uses to post to the 8ch board. If you don’t know the password which produces that hash, then you can’t post as Q.
It changes periodically to prevent crackers from cracking it. It also changes if there is some other need or reason. Recently Q posted the password in the clear (at least that is my understanding), which meant it needed to be changed immediately.
It's part of an encryption key that assures us this is Q posting this drop. Every so often Q's password gets hacked and the board operator "code monkey" has to issue him a new access and Q makes a new password so he gets a new Encryption key. . . and we get another portion that displays, which is validated by the previous one.