Set Up a Hidden IRC Chat Server with Tor + irssi + InspIRCd

Prerequisites

To begin, update your system and install the required tools:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install inspircd tor irssi

Optional GUI client (if using desktop):

sudo apt install hexchat

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Configure InspIRCd

Edit the main configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/inspircd/inspircd.conf

Also create or update the MOTD (Message of the Day):

sudo nano /etc/inspircd/inspircd.motd

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Test IRC on Localhost

Start the IRC server:

sudo service inspircd start

Launch irssi client:

irssi
/connect localhost

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Set Up Tor Hidden Service

Locate Tor:

whereis tor

Edit the Tor config:

sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc

Find and comment/remove any existing HiddenServicePort related to port 80:

# HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:80

Then add your IRC hidden service like this:

HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/
HiddenServicePort 6667 127.0.0.1:6667

Save and run Tor:

sudo tor

Get your onion address:

sudo cat /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/hostname

To stop Tor:

pidof tor
sudo kill <PID>

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Connect to IRC over Tor with HexChat (GUI)

1. Launch HexChat:

hexchat

1. Add a new network:
   • Networks > +Add
   • Enter your .onion hostname and port 6667
   • Click Edit > add server and then connect
2. Go to:
   • Settings > Preferences > Network Setup
   • Set proxy server to: 127.0.0.1:9050 and choose SOCKS5
   • Save and connect

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Basic IRC Commands in irssi

irssi
/set nick WhiteDevil
/connect localhost
/join #devils

To connect to a public IRC network like DALnet or LiberaChat:

/connect DALnet
/nick BlackDevil
/join #devils

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Temporary File & Code Sharing

• Image Sharing: https://pomf.lain.la/
• Code Paste: https://paste.opensuse.org/

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Example Setup on LiberaChat

irssi
/set nick F$ecu3it¥
/connect liberaChat
/join #Da3kA3my

To quit:

/quit

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Helpful Link

Official irssi New User Guide

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Do not use IRC + Tor for illegal or unethical activities. Always stay within the law.