Indexing & Data Collection

Frequently Asked Questions


What data we collect from IRC networks, how we use it, and how long we keep it.

Our indexer bot connects to approved networks and collects statistics only—no conversations or private messages. We gather:

  • Network-level: Total user count, channel count, server count, IRCd type/version, IRCv3 capabilities, server uptime, admin info
  • Server-level: MOTD, user count per server, server links/topology (if supported)
  • Channel-level: Channel name, user count, and topic—from the public channel list (/LIST). Only channels meeting our minimum user threshold (typically 2+ users) are indexed

We do not log any channel messages, private messages, or user nicknames/hostmasks for indexing purposes.

Networks are indexed periodically on a scheduled basis. Statistics (user counts, channel counts, server info) are refreshed each index cycle. Old data is automatically purged according to our retention policy—we keep raw statistics for a limited time and may aggregate older data into daily averages for historical trends.

  • Network/server/channel statistics: Raw data is retained for several months, then aggregated into daily averages. Older raw data is pruned automatically.
  • Channel list and topics: Refreshed each index cycle; we do not keep long-term history of channel lists beyond what’s needed to show current state.

Operational and debug logs from the indexer are retained only briefly (e.g. 30 days). For full details on retention, see our Privacy Policy.

Yes. The indexer runs automatically for all approved networks and collects only statistics—no chat logs. The channel bot is opt-in per channel: when a channel adds the bot and enables logging, we store channel messages and events (join/part/quit, etc.). That data is controlled by channel admins and has different retention. See our Privacy Policy and the Channel Bot FAQ for more.

Yes. Network operators can request removal of their network’s data at any time. Contact us with your network name and we will process the request.