freeq is an IRC server and ecosystem that uses AT Protocol (Bluesky) identities for authentication. It treats IRC as infrastructure, not a product — modernizing identity without centralization, UX regressions, or protocol breakage.
IRC is 36 years old and still works. The protocol is simple, the ecosystem is vast, and the operational model is well understood. What IRC lacks is modern identity.
freeq adds identity through AT Protocol's decentralized DID system. Your Bluesky handle becomes your IRC identity. Your DID owns your nick, your channel ops, your bans. Private keys never leave your device.
Everything is optional. Standard IRC clients connect as guests. SASL authentication is there for users who want it. E2EE, P2P DMs, iroh transport, federation — each layer is zero-cost when not used.
| Source | github.com/chad/freeq |
| License | MIT |
| Language | Rust |
| Server | irc.freeq.at |
| Web Client | app.freeq.at |
| Crate | Description |
|---|---|
freeq-server | IRC server with SASL, WebSocket, iroh, S2S federation, plugins |
freeq-sdk | Client SDK: connect, auth, events, E2EE, P2P, bot framework |
freeq-tui | Terminal UI client with AT Protocol OAuth |
freeq-web | Browser-based IRC client (single HTML file) |
freeq-site | This website |
Created by Chad Fowler.
Built with:
Join #freeq on app.freeq.at
@chadfowler.com on Bluesky
GitHub Issues