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Operational & Secure

TwistedNET

IRC Network

Free, secure Internet Relay Chat since 2007. SSL encrypted real-time messaging with zero logs and zero tracking. Your conversations, your privacy.

The Anti-Surveillance Chat Network

// Privacy is not a feature — it's the foundation

TwistedNET is a free Internet Relay Chat network built for people who value privacy and real-time communication without compromise. Founded in 2007, we have been providing secure online chat for over eighteen years with a simple promise: your conversations are yours alone.

In an era of data harvesting and algorithmic manipulation, TwistedNET stands as a bastion of open, decentralized real-time messaging. Our IRC network uses SSL encryption on every connection and maintains a strict zero-logging policy. No phone number required. No message history stored on our servers. No algorithms deciding what you see.

Whether you are a developer looking for a collaborative space, a privacy advocate seeking secure communication, or simply someone who wants genuine online chat without the noise, TwistedNET welcomes you to a community that puts people first.

No Phone Auth Required

Connect instantly. No phone number, no SMS verification, no identity gate-keeping. Just pick a nick and start chatting.

No Message Persistence

Messages are delivered in real time and not stored on our servers. When a conversation ends, it's gone. The way chat should be.

No Algorithmic Feeds

No AI curating your content. No promoted messages. No engagement tricks. Just raw, unfiltered human communication.

How to Connect

// Get online in under 60 seconds

1

Web Client (Easiest)

No installation needed. Click the button below to connect directly from your browser using our WebIRC client. Choose a nickname and you are in.

Launch WebIRC
2

Desktop Client

Use your favorite IRC client (HexChat, mIRC, Irssi, WeeChat) with these settings:

Server: irc.twistednet.org

Port: 6697 (SSL/TLS)

Channel: #twisted

View recommended clients →

Server List

// Redundant infrastructure for maximum uptime

Online

irc.twistednet.org

Primary Server

SSL Port 6697 | Plain 6667

IPv4 + IPv6
Online

ipv6.twistednet.org

IPv6 Gateway

SSL Port 6697 | Plain 6667

IPv6 Only

Real-Time Stats

// Live network metrics

--

Operators

--

Users Online

--

Channels

99.9%

Uptime

Frequently Asked Questions

// Everything you need to know

What is IRC and why should I use it over Discord or Slack?

IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is an open protocol for real-time text communication that has been around since 1988. Unlike Discord or Slack, IRC is completely decentralized — no single corporation controls it.

With IRC, you get true privacy (no data harvesting), complete client freedom (use any app you want), and zero bloat (it runs on kilobytes, not gigabytes). TwistedNET takes this further with mandatory SSL encryption and a strict zero-logging policy. Read our full IRC vs Discord comparison.

How do I connect to TwistedNET?

Easiest way: Click Connect Now to open our WebIRC client — works instantly in any browser, no download needed.

Desktop client: Download HexChat, WeeChat, or another IRC client and connect with these settings:

Server: irc.twistednet.org

Port: 6697 (SSL enabled)

Channel: #twisted

Need more help? Check our complete IRC guide.

Is TwistedNET free? What's the catch?

There is no catch. TwistedNET is 100% free — no premium tiers, no ads, no paywalls, no data selling. We've been free since 2007 and always will be. The network is run by volunteer administrators who believe private, open communication should be accessible to everyone. No account is even required to start chatting.

Does TwistedNET log my messages or track me?

Absolutely not. We enforce a strict zero-logging policy. Messages are relayed in real-time and never stored on our servers. We don't track IP addresses for marketing, don't run analytics, and don't build user profiles. All connections are encrypted with SSL/TLS. Once a message is delivered, it's gone from our infrastructure forever.

How do I register my nickname?

Registration is optional but recommended. It prevents others from using your name. Once connected, type:

/msg NickServ REGISTER yourpassword [email protected]

Check your email for a verification code and follow the instructions. After that, identify each time you connect with /msg NickServ IDENTIFY yourpassword. See our full commands reference for more.

Can I use IRC on my phone?

Yes! You have several options:

  • WebIRC — Our web client works great on iPhone Safari and Android Chrome
  • Revolution IRC — Free app for Android
  • Palaver — Native IRC app for iOS with push notifications
  • IRCCloud — Cloud-based client for both iOS and Android

See our complete clients guide for more options.

What channels should I join?

Start with #twisted — that's our main lobby where the community hangs out. From there:

  • #dev — Programming, Linux, and tech projects
  • #valyria — Casual chat about anything
  • #arcade — IRC bot games and trivia
  • #konnect-chat — Global cross-network relay

Browse all channels on our chat rooms page.

Ready to Chat?

Join hundreds of users on TwistedNET IRC. No sign-up required. No data harvested. Just connect and start talking.

CONNECT NOW

irc.twistednet.org:6697 (SSL)