# Libera.Chat

> IRC network operated by Swedish nonprofit Libera Chat

**Wikidata**: [Q106908381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106908381)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libera_Chat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/libera-chat

## Summary
Libera.Chat is an IRC network operated by a Swedish nonprofit organization that was founded in May 2021 as an alternative to freenode following significant moderation changes. It serves as a platform for open source communities and free software projects to communicate and collaborate.

## Key Facts
- Founded on May 19, 2021, following moderation changes at freenode
- Operated by Swedish nonprofit organization Libera Chat
- Separated from freenode network in response to 2021 Freenode moderation changes
- Based on free software principles with website content under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
- Software components use MIT License
- Provides both regular IRC and Tor onion service connections
- Has 19 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects
- Maintains social media presence on Twitter (@liberachat) and Mastodon (liberachat@fosstodon.org)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Libera.Chat?
A: Libera.Chat is an IRC network operated by a Swedish nonprofit organization that provides a platform for open source communities and free software projects to communicate, created in May 2021 as an alternative to freenode.

### Q: Why was Libera.Chat created?
A: Libera.Chat was created in May 2021 as a response to significant moderation changes at freenode, leading many open source communities to seek an alternative network with different governance and moderation policies.

### Q: How does Libera.Chat differ from freenode?
A: Libera.Chat operates as a Swedish nonprofit with different governance structure and moderation policies than freenode, and was specifically created to provide a home for open source communities following the changes at freenode.

### Q: What licenses does Libera.Chat use?
A: Libera.Chat uses Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International for its website content and MIT License for its software components.

### Q: How can users connect to Libera.Chat?
A: Users can connect to Libera.Chat via regular IRC at irc://irc.libera.chat or through a Tor onion service at irc://libera75jm6of4wxpxt4aynol3xjmbtxgfyjpu34ss4d7r7q2v5zrpyd.onion.

## Why It Matters
Libera.Chat represents a significant development in the open source communication landscape, providing a dedicated platform for communities displaced by changes at freenode. As a nonprofit organization based in Sweden, it offers governance structures focused on community interests rather than commercial concerns. The network has quickly established itself as a primary hub for free software projects, with notable adoption by major open source initiatives. Its commitment to open-source principles, evidenced by its dual-license approach (Creative Commons for content, MIT for software), has positioned it as a trustworthy alternative for developers and communities seeking reliable communication infrastructure aligned with free software values.

## Notable For
- Separation from freenode in 2021 following moderation changes, resulting in mass migration of open source communities
- Swedish nonprofit operation model focused on community governance rather than commercial interests
- Provision of both regular IRC and Tor onion service connections, ensuring accessibility and privacy
- Multi-language presence across Wikimedia projects, including articles in Arabic, Chinese, German, French, and more
- Integration with KiwiIRC web client, providing accessible web-based chat functionality

## Body
### Foundation and Purpose
Libera.Chat was founded on May 19, 2021, as a response to the controversial moderation changes at freenode that led to concerns about the network's future and governance. The network was created specifically to serve as a home for open source communities and free software projects that needed an alternative communication platform.

### Governance and Operation
The network is operated by Libera Chat, a Swedish nonprofit organization. Unlike its predecessor, Libera.Chat operates under a nonprofit model focused on community needs rather than commercial interests. This governance structure was a key factor in its adoption by many open source projects.

### Technical Infrastructure
Libera.Chat provides multiple connection options for users:
- Standard IRC connection at irc://irc.libera.chat
- Tor onion service at irc://libera75jm6of4wxpxt4aynol3xjmbtxgfyjpu34ss4d7r7q2v5zrpyd.onion
- Integration with KiwiIRC web client for web-based access

The network's content is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International, while its software components use the MIT License, demonstrating a commitment to open-source principles.

### Community Presence
As of April 2024, Libera.Chat has 19 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects, including articles in multiple languages such as Arabic, Chinese, German, French, and more. This international presence reflects the network's global adoption by open source communities.

### Social Media and Communication
Libera.Chat maintains an active social media presence:
- Twitter account (@liberachat) created in April 2021
- Mastodon account at liberachat@fosstodon.org since May 21, 2021
- Facebook page under "liberachat"

The network's Mastodon account has grown from 2,461 followers in February 2024 to 2,554 followers by April 2024, indicating ongoing community engagement and growth.

## References

1. [LICENSE-content.txt at commit 1ec1588e6. 2021](https://github.com/Libera-Chat/libera-chat.github.io/blob/1ec1588e6e741240ca36bfa777452a16f87e8ecc/LICENSE-content.txt)
2. [Evaluate to join "Free Cultural Work" (→ avoid "NC" - not compatible with Wikipedia). 2021](https://github.com/Libera-Chat/libera-chat.github.io/issues/342)
3. [LICENSE-code.txt](https://github.com/Libera-Chat/libera-chat.github.io/blob/main/LICENSE-code.txt)
4. [Source](https://libera.chat/news/welcome-to-libera-chat)
5. [Source](https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7ev8y/freenode-open-source-korea-crown-prince-takeover)
6. [Source](https://libera.chat/guides/connect)