Chat Safety

Before You Chat:

Engaging in online chat requires adherence to specific rules and etiquette guidelines. Following best practices ensures a safer and more enjoyable chat experience for all participants.

Entering an IRC Channel:

  • When you join an IRC channel, it is polite to greet other users with a simple "Hello."
  • Take some time to observe how conversations unfold before actively participating.
  • Read the channel topic and any rules provided by the channel operators to understand acceptable behavior.

Chat Etiquette & Behavior:

  • Be mindful of what you say, as text-based communication lacks vocal tone and body language, making messages prone to misinterpretation.
  • Use emoticons or text expressions where appropriate to clarify intent.
  • Avoid using excessive CAPITAL LETTERS, as this is considered shouting and can be perceived as rude.
  • Refrain from spamming, flooding, or repeatedly sending the same message, as this disrupts conversations and may result in a ban.
  • If another user is bothering you, use the "Ignore" feature to mute their messages.
  • Respect the channel's moderators and abide by their decisions.

Safety Tips:

  • Never share personal details such as your real name, home address, school or workplace, phone number, or personal email.
  • Be cautious of anyone asking for too much personal information or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
  • If a conversation makes you uncomfortable, leave the channel and report inappropriate behavior to the channel operators or IRC network administrators.
  • Do not accept private chat invitations (PMs) from strangers unless you trust them.
  • Use a secure and anonymous nickname to protect your identity.
  • VPNs and the Tor network can enhance privacy; however, many IRC networks restrict their use. Typically, only **registered nicknames** are allowed to connect via VPN or Tor.

Creating Your Own Channel:

  • You can create your own chat room (channel) on IRC.
  • Channels can be made private by setting a password, allowing only invited users to join.
  • If a user is being offensive, you have the ability to remove them from your channel.
  • Registration of your channel with services (NickServ, ChanServ) helps maintain control and security.

Choosing a Secure Nickname:

  • Avoid using real names or personal details in your nickname.
  • Female users should be aware that gender-specific nicknames might attract unwanted attention.
  • Consider using a neutral handle to maintain privacy and avoid potential harassment.

Meeting Online Friends in Real Life:

  • Never agree to meet someone from IRC in person without taking precautions.
  • If a meeting is necessary, ensure it takes place in a public setting with trusted friends present.
  • Be aware that people online may not be who they claim to be.

Recommended Resources for Online Safety:

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a safer and more pleasant experience on IRC while protecting your privacy and security.