No ads. No trackers. No algorithms. No corporate nonsense — including in this policy.
Last updated: July 19, 2026
ircly is an independent, self-hosted IRC network and client, built and run by a single developer. This policy explains, plainly, what information ircly collects, why, and what happens to it. There's no ad network, no analytics vendor, and no data broker in this picture — the goal is to tell you exactly what's really going on.
Some of this is required to use the network at all; some only applies if you choose to use a specific feature.
| Data | When | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Always | Your identity on the network |
| Email address | If you register your nickname | Password reset only — sent via SendGrid, see section 4 |
| Password | If you register your nickname | Stored hashed with bcrypt — never in plain text, never visible to anyone, including the developer |
| IP address | Every connection | Standard IRC server logging; also used for spam/abuse prevention (session limits, block-listed hosts) — this is normal for any IRC network, not unique to ircly |
| Messages | When you chat | Delivered live to the channel or person you're messaging. Not permanently stored, with two exceptions below. |
| Memos | If you send one via MemoServ | Stored until the recipient reads and deletes it — this is the whole point of a memo |
| Reports | If you use the in-app Report feature | The reported message thread is logged to a private, staff-only channel and log file so operators can review it — the same idea as a report button on any chat platform |
| Profile info | If you set an avatar, badge, bio, or color | Shared with other users who view your profile; optional, entirely under your control |
| App preferences | If you're signed in | Favorites, friends list, ignore list, and similar settings sync across your devices, tied to your account |
| Uploaded images | If you share an image in chat | Stored so the image can be displayed to people you shared it with |
Channel messages are visible to whoever is in that channel at the time, same as any IRC network or group chat. Direct messages are visible only to you and the recipient. Network operators can access server logs and moderation tools where necessary to keep the network functional and address abuse — this access is limited to that purpose.
ircly is not built on top of a larger platform's infrastructure, and doesn't share data with advertisers or data brokers. One external service is used, narrowly:
Passwords are hashed with bcrypt, never stored or transmitted in plain text. Connections to the server are encrypted (TLS). Account access is protected against repeated password-guessing attempts. No system is perfectly secure, but this network is actively maintained with security as an ongoing priority, not an afterthought.
/msg NickServ DROP removes your registered nickname and associated account data.ircly is not directed at children, and knowingly does not collect data from children under 13 (or the relevant minimum age in your region). If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact irclyadmin@gmail.com and it will be removed.
If this policy changes in any meaningful way, the "last updated" date above will reflect it. Given the plain-language approach here, changes will be written the same way — no reason to bury them in legalese.