Connecting to FreeNode with Tor using XChat

I am a regular visitor to FreeNode, and regularly visit channels #myoss. Sometimes I would like to just check up how it’s going, but sadly due to restrictions with the network that I’m in, this is not possible. An alternative is to access FreeNode with Tor using XChat, similarly to what we did with Firefox.

FreeNode is very encouraging of using Tor, and have policies set up to help Tor users. Similarly there are more generic instructions on how to access FreeNode via Tor.

Because of the anonymity provided by Tor, it is also suitable for abuse. There are moral issues with providing everyone anonymity, such as criminal activity, denial of service, and spammers. This is increasingly important with the threat of terrorist attacks, but also with governments cranking down on privacy.

Because of this abuse, you may not be able to connect to FreeNode. Like right now I am getting this message when trying to connect to FreeNode through Tor.

You have been killed by Idoru. (is temporarily blocked due to abuse. Apologies for the inconvenience!)
Closing Link: gateway/tor/session (Killed by Idoru. (Tor is temporarily blocked due to abuse. Apologies for the inconvenience!))

I will not be held responsible for the actions conducted by any person using these instructions. Do this at your own risk. Similarly when Tor starts it warns the user: This is experimental software. Do not rely on it for strong anonymity.

How to set up XChat to work with Tor:

Suitable of Ubuntu Dapper Drake, adapt as necessary.

1. Run the command: sudo gedit /etc/tor/torrc
2. Append the line to the end of the file, (might want to add a comment): mapaddress 10.40.40.40 mejokbp2brhw4omd.onion
3. Save the file, and exit
4. Restart the Tor service: sudo /etc/init.d/tor restart
5. Open XChat, and go to: Settings > Preferences
6. Now drop down to: Network > Network setup
7. Set the Proxy server to be: localhost
8. Set the Proxy port to be: 9050
9. Set the Proxy type to be: Socks5
10. Save, and go to File > Server List, and create a new Network. I called it “Torified FreeNode”
11. Open up the network, and add into the server list the IP: 10.40.40.40
12. Enable the option: Use a proxy server
13. Save the Network settings, and click: Connect

And there you have it, simple easy to read instructions on how to connect to FreeNode with Tor using XChat.

Of course when you connect to IRC you may be using the same handle you always use, so your not really anonymous in IRC; its just that your ISP would have trouble finding what you are doing.

You should now be on your way to connecting to FreeNode through Tor; unless Tor has been blocked once again by FreeNode.