Privacy Policy

This policy explains what irc-server.org collects and stores. Read it in full before creating an account or connecting.

We store everything. Assume that all data you provide or generate on irc-server.org, including messages you send, the channels you join, and the network metadata of your connections, is recorded and retained. Do not send anything through this service that you would not want stored.

1. Who we are

irc-server.org ("we", "us") operates a directory of IRC networks and a serverless IRC hosting service. This policy covers the website, the hosting service, and the TCP relay that carries IRC connections.

2. Data we collect and store

We collect and store the following:

Account data: your username, email address, and a cryptographic hash of your password. Emails are stored to verify ownership and to contact you about your account.
Servers you create: the network name, subdomain, message-of-the-day, channel list, settings, and a cryptographic hash of the server operator (OPER) password.
Networks you submit: the name, hostname, port, website, and description of any external network you add to the directory.
Connection metadata: when you connect through our relay we process and may store your IP address (stored as a keyed hash), the server you connect to, timestamps, nickname, and connection events. IP hashes are used for bans and abuse prevention.
Messages: messages sent to channels on servers we host are logged and stored (sender, channel, content, timestamp). Private messages between users are relayed; channel messages are retained as history.
Directory data: public channel lists and user counts our bot collects from listed networks.
Technical logs: standard server logs from our infrastructure providers, including IP addresses and request metadata.
Cookies: a single signed session cookie to keep you logged in. See section 6.

3. How we use it

To operate the hosting service, route IRC traffic, and run the directory.
To authenticate you, verify your email, and secure your account.
To prevent abuse, spam, and floods (rate limits, bans, CAPTCHA).
To display public directory information, including channels and user counts.

4. Retention

Account and server data are kept for as long as your account or server exists. Servers whose owner does not verify their email are deleted automatically. Channel message history is retained for a limited period and then pruned. Backups and provider logs may persist for longer. We may retain data as needed to comply with law or address abuse.

5. Third parties we use

We rely on third-party infrastructure providers that process data on our behalf, including providers of hosting and compute, database storage, network and TLS termination, bot and abuse protection, and email delivery. These providers process data only to operate the service and are bound by their own terms and safeguards.

We do not sell your personal data. External IRC networks listed in the directory are independent third parties with their own policies; when you connect to them, you connect directly to them.

6. Cookies

We set one HttpOnly session cookie after you sign in, so you stay logged in. It contains a signed token, not your password. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.

7. Your choices

You can delete servers you own from the directory at any time, which removes their data. To delete your account or request a copy of your data, contact us at privacy@irc-server.org. Note that public directory listings and channel history may persist in caches or backups for a period after deletion.

8. Security

We hash passwords, cloak IP addresses in what other users see, and use TLS. However, no method of transmission or storage is fully secure, and we cannot guarantee the security of your data. IRC is an inherently public, low-security protocol; treat everything you send as public.

9. Children

The service is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). Do not use it if you are under that age.

10. Changes

We may update this policy at any time. Changes take effect when posted, and your continued use of the service means you accept them.

11. Contact

Questions: privacy@irc-server.org.