Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 2, 2025 IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE
This Privacy Policy explains how IRC.com collects, uses, and protects information in connection with our web-based IRC client service. While we implement reasonable privacy measures, you must understand that IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is fundamentally a public communication protocol that does not provide end-to-end encryption or inherent privacy protections. By using this service, you acknowledge the public nature of IRC communications and accept full responsibility for your privacy decisions. CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING: IRC communications are transmitted in plain text across third-party networks that we do not control. Your messages, nicknames, and activities may be visible to IRC network operators, channel operators, and other users. We are not responsible for the privacy or security of your communications on IRC networks. PROTOCOL LIMITATION NOTICE: The IRC protocol, by its fundamental design, does not incorporate end-to-end encryption. However, our service provides a comprehensive scripting engine that allows technically capable users to implement their own encryption solutions if desired. Any such implementations are your sole responsibility.

Scope and Application

Covered Services

This Privacy Policy applies to the IRC.com web client service (the "Service") provided by IRC.com ("Company," "we," "us,"or"our"). This policy describes our practices regarding information collected through your use of our Service.

Third-Party Networks

This policy does not apply to third-party IRC networks, servers, or services that you access through our Service. Such third-party services are governed by their own privacy policies and terms of service, for which we assume no responsibility.

User Acknowledgment

By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the collection, use, and disclosure practices described herein.

Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

We may automatically collect certain technical information when you use the Service, including: ●Browser type, version, and configuration ●Operating system and device information ●IP address and general geographic location ●Service usage patterns and performance metrics ●Connection timestamps and session duration ●Error logs and diagnostic information

User-Provided Information

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including: ●IRC nicknames and connection preferences ●Custom scripts and configuration settings ●Notification preferences and settings ●Any information you include in support communications

Local Storage

The Service utilizes browser local storage to maintain user preferences, session state, custom scripts, and configuration data. This information is stored locally on your device and may be transmitted to our servers for service operation purposes.

How We Use Information

Service Operation

We use collected information to: ●Provide, maintain, and improve the Service ●Facilitate IRC network connections and communications ●Preserve user preferences and session state ●Diagnose technical issues and provide support ●Monitor service performance and security ●Develop new features and functionality

Analytics and Improvement

We may analyze usage patterns and technical metrics to understand how the Service is used and to identify areas for improvement, always in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

General Policy

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except as described in this Privacy Policy.

Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who assist in operating the Service, provided they agree to maintain appropriate confidentiality protections.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of such transaction, subject to equivalent privacy protections.

IRC Protocol Privacy Limitations

Fundamental Protocol Characteristics

You must understand that IRC is a public communication protocol with inherent privacy limitations: ●Messages are transmitted in plain text without encryption ●Communications traverse multiple third-party servers and networks ●IRC network operators can monitor all traffic on their networks ●Channel operators can see all messages in their channels ●User information (nicknames, hostnames) is generally visible to other users ●Private messages may be logged by intermediate servers

Third-Party Network Policies

IRC networks accessed through the Service operate under their own privacy policies and data handling practices. We have no control over how third-party IRC networks collect, use, or protect information transmitted through their systems.

User Privacy Responsibility

You are solely responsible for understanding the privacy implications of IRC communications and for implementing any additional privacy measures you deem necessary. This includes but is not limited to: ●Choosing appropriate nicknames and user information ●Understanding which channels and networks you join ●Being aware of who can see your communications ●Implementing encryption or privacy tools if desired

Security Measures

Our Security Efforts

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information in our control, including: ●Secure data transmission protocols (HTTPS/WSS) ●Access controls and authentication mechanisms ●Regular security assessments and updates ●Monitoring for unauthorized access or suspicious activity

Security Limitations and Disclaimers

HOWEVER, WE CANNOT AND DO NOT GUARANTEE THE SECURITY OF ANY INFORMATION. No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. You acknowledge and accept all risks associated with transmitting information through the Service and IRC networks.

User Security Responsibilities

You are responsible for: ●Maintaining the security of your devices and browser ●Using strong, unique passwords for IRC network accounts ●Keeping your software and security systems updated ●Understanding the security implications of custom scripts ●Implementing additional security measures as you deem appropriate

Custom Scripting and Privacy

Script Capabilities

The Service provides a comprehensive scripting engine that allows users to customize functionality, including the potential to implement privacy-enhancing features such as: ●Message encryption and decryption ●Secure communication protocols ●Privacy-focused automation ●Custom security measures

User Script Responsibility

Any custom scripts, encryption implementations, or privacy tools that you create or use are entirely your responsibility. We do not endorse, support, or guarantee the effectiveness of any user-created privacy solutions.

Script Privacy Implications

Custom scripts execute with significant privileges and may access or modify your communications, data, and Service behavior. You are solely responsible for understanding and accepting the privacy implications of any scripts you choose to use.

Data Retention and Deletion

Retention Practices

We retain information only as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

Local Data

Information stored in your browser's local storage remains on your device until you clear it or uninstall the Service. You can delete this information at any time through your browser settings.

IRC Network Data

We have no control over information retention practices of third-party IRC networks. Messages and user information transmitted through IRC networks may be logged, stored, or retained by network operators according to their own policies.

International Data Transfers

Cross-Border Transfers

The Service may transmit data across international borders as part of normal IRC network operations. IRC networks span globally, and your communications may traverse servers in multiple countries with varying privacy laws.

Legal Framework Variations

Different countries have different privacy and data protection laws. When using the Service to connect to international IRC networks, your information may be subject to foreign legal frameworks that provide different protections than your home jurisdiction.

Children's Privacy

Age Restrictions

The Service is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete such information promptly.

Parental Responsibility

Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their children's internet usage and ensuring they understand the public nature of IRC communications before allowing access to the Service.

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Information Access and Control

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or delete information we maintain about you.

Browser Controls

You can control certain aspects of data collection through your browser settings, including: ●Disabling cookies and local storage ●Clearing stored data and preferences ●Blocking certain types of data collection ●Using private browsing modes

Service Settings

The Service provides various privacy and notification settings that you can configure according to your preferences.

Limitation of Privacy Protections

No Privacy Guarantees

WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE PRIVACY OR SECURITY OF YOUR INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATIONS. YOU USE THE SERVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PRIVACY CONSEQUENCES.

Third-Party Responsibility

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRIVACY PRACTICES, DATA COLLECTION, OR SECURITY MEASURES OF ANY THIRD-PARTY IRC NETWORKS, SERVICES, OR INDIVIDUALS YOU INTERACT WITH THROUGH THE SERVICE.

Protocol Limitations

WE CANNOT OVERRIDE THE FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IRC PROTOCOL, INCLUDING ITS LACK OF BUILT-IN ENCRYPTION AND THE PUBLIC NATURE OF MOST IRC COMMUNICATIONS.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Policy Updates

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time without notice. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised policy on the Service.

User Responsibility for Changes

It is your responsibility to periodically review this Privacy Policy for updates. Your continued use of the Service following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Material Changes

For material changes that significantly impact privacy practices, we may provide additional notice through the Service interface, though we are not obligated to do so.

Contact Information

Privacy Questions

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through the appropriate channels provided in the Service interface.

Response to Inquiries

While we will make reasonable efforts to respond to privacy inquiries, we do not guarantee response times or the availability of specific information.

Final Privacy Notice

By using IRC.com, you acknowledge that IRC is fundamentally a public communication medium without built-in privacy protections. You accept full responsibility for your privacy decisions and agree that we are not liable for any privacy consequences resulting from your use of the Service or participation in IRC networks. Remember: Our scripting engine provides the tools—privacy implementation is your responsibility.