How ZoiteChat handles privacy
The short version
ZoiteChat stores your IRC settings locally on your device so the app can connect to the servers and channels you configure. ZoiteChat does not include built-in analytics, advertising trackers, telemetry, or account tracking operated by ZoiteChat.
When you connect to an IRC network, that network may receive information such as your nickname, username, hostname or IP address, channel activity, messages, and other normal IRC protocol data. That information is handled by the IRC network you connect to, not by ZoiteChat.
Information ZoiteChat stores locally
ZoiteChat may store configuration data locally on your device, including:
- IRC server addresses and connection settings
- Nicknames, usernames, real name fields, and channel lists you configure
- Saved preferences, themes, layout settings, and interface options
- Optional authentication details, such as server passwords or SASL credentials, if you choose to save them
- Optional chat logs, if logging is enabled by you
- Optional client certificates or related security settings, if configured by you
This information is used by the app to provide IRC client functionality. It is not sent to ZoiteChat-operated tracking or analytics services.
Information shared when you connect to IRC
IRC is a network protocol. When you connect to an IRC server, information required for the connection is shared with that server and may be visible to other users depending on the IRC network, channel settings, server configuration, and commands you use.
This may include:
- Your nickname, username, and real name field
- Your hostname or IP address, unless hidden by the IRC network or your own network setup
- Channels you join
- Messages you send to channels or users
- Files or connection details used for DCC transfers
- Client responses to IRC features such as CTCP, VERSION, away status, or similar commands
ZoiteChat does not control third-party IRC networks. Each network may have its own rules, logging practices, moderation policies, privacy policy, and server configuration.
Chat content and logs
ZoiteChat does not operate a central chat service and does not receive copies of your IRC messages from the app.
Messages may still be logged or visible in other places, including:
- On your own device, if you enable local logging
- By IRC networks, servers, bouncers, bots, or services you connect to
- By other users in the same channel or private conversation
- By third-party scripts, plugins, or addons you install
Do not send private information on IRC unless you trust the network, the channel, and the people receiving it. Humanity did invent screenshots, after all.
File transfers
ZoiteChat may support IRC features such as DCC file transfer or DCC chat. Depending on your configuration and network environment, DCC may create a direct connection between users or otherwise expose connection information needed to complete the transfer.
Files transferred through IRC or DCC are not reviewed, scanned, stored, or moderated by ZoiteChat. You are responsible for deciding whether to send, receive, open, or trust files from other users.
Plugins and scripts
ZoiteChat may support plugins, scripts, or addons. These extensions can change how the app behaves and may access IRC messages, commands, files, settings, or network activity depending on what they are designed to do.
Third-party plugins and scripts are not covered by this privacy policy unless they are distributed as part of ZoiteChat itself. Review any plugin or script before installing it. Computers remain very good at doing exactly what you told them to do, even when that was a terrible idea.
Analytics, ads, and tracking
ZoiteChat does not include built-in advertising, behavioral tracking, or analytics collection operated by ZoiteChat.
If you download ZoiteChat from a third-party platform, such as a package repository, app store, GitHub, Snapcraft, Flathub, or another distributor, that platform may collect its own download logs, account information, crash reports, or analytics under its own privacy policy.
Security
ZoiteChat relies on your operating system, local user account, filesystem permissions, and configured IRC security options to help protect local data.
Where supported by the IRC network, you should use encrypted connections, such as TLS, and modern authentication methods, such as SASL. Avoid saving passwords on shared computers.
Your choices
You can control what ZoiteChat stores locally by changing your app settings, removing saved networks, deleting saved credentials, disabling chat logging, removing plugins, or uninstalling the app.
To remove data shared with an IRC network, contact that network or server operator. ZoiteChat cannot delete logs, messages, account data, bans, channel records, or service data controlled by third-party IRC networks.
Children’s privacy
ZoiteChat is a general-purpose IRC client and is not designed specifically for children. ZoiteChat does not knowingly collect personal information from children.
IRC networks may contain public channels and user-generated content that ZoiteChat does not control. Parents and guardians should review the networks, channels, and servers being used.
Updates to this policy
This privacy policy may be updated when ZoiteChat changes how it handles data, adds new features, or needs clearer wording. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new last updated date.
Contact
For privacy questions about ZoiteChat, contact: privacy@zoitechat.org
For privacy questions about a specific IRC network, channel, server, bot, bouncer, or service, contact the operator of that service directly.