Can netops see private messages?
reddit / irc

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[deleted] · 2013-06-29 01:31

Sorry if this is a noob question, but when using the /msg command, can
netops see the chat?

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[deleted] · 2013-06-29 01:47

There used to be a module for that very thing in UnrealIRCD. It is a
vile, underhanded thing to do to users, imho.

Most IRC networks wouldn't put up with such a thing so I'd say no to
the question.

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meeb · 2013-06-29 01:59

The short answer is "probably not"... however...

While almost all IRCd's (apart from examples like the previously
mentioned Unreal module) respect user privacy you are always going to
be connecting to a random daemon on some server you don't control as a
network user. These admins could have (for example) hacked the IRCd to
record your PRIVMSG's, or be using ngrep / tcpdump etc. to monitor
your session. Even using end to end SSL (both you and the person
you're talking about are using verified SSL) won't close all possible
attack vectors (such as hacking the IRCd).

If you are seriously worried about it you'll need to use some decent
in-client crypto script that encrypts traffic before it leaves your
client. Of course the person you're talking to will need the same
script (and certs / passphrase exchanged out of channel) and your text
will be illegible to anyone without the same script when you're using
it...

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Paradox · 2013-06-29 04:48

On some IRC networks, but the modules are frowned upon. Snoonet does
NOT use them, I can assure you that

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Paradox · 2013-06-29 04:49

Blowfish

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[deleted] · 2013-06-29 04:49

[deleted]

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idealevil · 2013-06-29 06:14

Yes, but we only store the meta data...

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madasi · 2013-06-29 13:34

This is what dcc chats exist for, so your messages don't have to go
through the irc server.

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adamus1red · 2013-06-29 18:25

So basically you're the NSA?

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idealevil · 2013-06-30 02:18

Of course not, independent government contractor.

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adamus1red · 2013-06-30 10:39

Oh, that's perfectly legal and inline with 'murican freedom policies.

Also don't look at my browsing history....

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shadowh511 · 2013-07-06 07:51

Inspircd can do this pretty easily