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Internet Relay Chat

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a text-based Internet communication protocol and chat system used for group conversations in channels and for private one-to-one messaging.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a text-based Internet communication protocol and chat system used for group conversations in channels and for private one-to-one messaging. It was created in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen in Finland and uses a client-server model over TCP, with optional TLS for encryption. IRC is designed mainly for group communication but also supports private messages.

History

IRC was created in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen as a replacement for the MUT program on a BBS at OuluBox in Finland. It later became one of the earliest widely used real-time Internet chat systems.

How it works

Users join IRC servers with a client application and communicate in channels, which are commonly identified by names beginning with symbols such as #. The system uses a client-server architecture and may use TLS for secure sessions.

Features

IRC supports group chats, private messages, and file transfer. It is an open protocol and has been implemented by many different clients and servers over time.

Legacy and use

IRC remains known as an influential early Internet communication system and is still used by communities that value lightweight, real-time text chat. Its long history has made it an important reference point in the evolution of online messaging.

Key facts

  • IRC is designed mainly for group communication in named channels, but also supports private one-to-one messages.
  • It is an open protocol implemented as an application-layer protocol for text communication.
  • IRC clients connect to IRC servers, which relay messages to channel participants.
  • IRC can support data transfer and file sharing in addition to text chat.
  • The protocol dates to 1988 and was created by Jarkko Oikarinen in Finland.
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Canadian context

IRC has historically been used by Canadian universities, technical communities, and open-source groups, but there is no uniquely Canadian origin or Canada-specific definition in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What does IRC stand for?
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat.
Who created IRC?
IRC was created by Jarkko Oikarinen in 1988 in Finland.
What is IRC used for?
IRC is used for real-time text conversations, especially group chats in channels, and also for private messaging and file transfer.
Is IRC a protocol or a program?
IRC is a protocol and chat system. Different client and server programs can implement it.
How do people join an IRC conversation?
Users connect with an IRC client to an IRC server, then join channels or send private messages.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRC
    Supports: Definition, channels, private messages, file transfer, client-server model.
  2. MDN Web Docs — https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Glossary/IRC
    Supports: Definition, client-server model, open protocol, TCP, channels.
  3. Network Encyclopedia — https://networkencyclopedia.com/internet-relay-chat-irc/
    Supports: Creation date, inventor, RFC reference, client-server model, TCP/TLS details.
  4. Daniel Stenberg — https://daniel.haxx.se/irchistory.html
    Supports: History of IRC creation at the University of Oulu in 1988.
  5. Simple Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
    Supports: General definition and TCP/TLS use.