Reporting a rogue or abusive bot

When an automated script or bot behaves maliciously—such as flooding channels, spamming private messages, evading bans, or disrupting network services—network staff need to step in.

If channel-level moderation tools (like banning or setting the channel to moderated mode) are not enough to stop the disruption, you can escalate the issue to network operators.

How to Report an Abusive Bot

1. Initial Mitigation: First, ensure you have used standard tools to protect your channel or client. Set channel bans (+b), use client-side ignores (/ignore), or adjust channel modes (e.g., invite-only +i or moderated +m).
2. Contact Support: Head to the official network assistance hub by joining #help (/join #help).
3. Open an Official Report: Let staff know in the help channel that an abusive or malfunctioning bot is disrupting a channel, and provide your gathered evidence. (For severe network-wide exploits or floods, operators can issue global server-side bans or kill lines).

Information to Include in Your Report

To help network operators quickly trace, verify, and neutralize a rogue bot, make sure your report includes as much of the following data as possible:

1. The Bot’s Exact Nickname and Full Hostmask: Include the complete hostmask (e.g., [email protected] or its masked host) so staff can track its connection pattern and account status.
2. Location of the Incident: Specify the exact channel name (e.g., #support) or state if the bot was spamming via private messages (queries).
3. Time and Date: Note when the abuse occurred, ideally including your timezone or UTC, to help operators search server logs.
4. Relevant Log Excerpts: Provide a clean snippet or copy-paste of the chat log showing the flood, spam lines, or malicious behavior.
5. Associated Accounts (If Known): If the bot owner or controlling user can be identified, mention their registered NickServ account name.