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What is a channel closure?
A channel closure is when an IRC Operator (IRCop) issues the close command on a particular channel, which in turn closes the channel and disables all access to it. This action is used when a channel has abused the network rules and policies and should only be done as a last resort, after warning the founder accordingly.

Why do IRC Operators close channels?
Channels can be closed down for a number of reasons. The most common reasons include warring, mass advertising, server ads in the topic and impersonation channels. While those are the most common reasons, channels can be, and are, closed for other reasons which violate the network rules and policies, to review these rules and policies please check WebChat's MOTD.

Why was my channel closed?
As per the above question, if your channel has been closed it is because it has violated network rules. You probably have a pretty good idea why it was closed down as we will generally only close a channel after warning the founder at least once. In any case, simply send us an e-mail to closures@webchat.org or join #admin.closures and we'll be happy to tell you why your channel was closed.

How long are channels closed for?
As a general rule, the first time a channel is closed down will be for 7 days. For repeated infractions, channels may be closed for 14 and then 21 days. If the channel continues to violate network policies it may be permanently closed. Please keep in mind that impersonation channels may be closed without warning. In some instances channels may be closed for more or less days than listed above.

My friend's channel was closed, can you tell me why?
For privacy and security reasons, we will only disclose the close reason to the channel founder. There are NO exceptions to this policy, please do not ask.

Who closed my channel?
We do not disclose the name of the particular operator who closed your channel. There are NO exceptions to this policy, please do not ask.

When will my channel be reopened?
It really depends on the circumstances of the close. If you want to know how long your channel will be closed, simply send us an e-mail to closures@webchat.org or join #admin.closures and we'll be happy to tell you.

Will you close my channel for me? I don't want it anymore!
No, we use channel closure as an absolute last resort to deal with violations of our network policies. If you no longer desire to run a channel, simply drop it. (/cs drop #EXAMPLE)

Will you close #EXAMPLE for me? They keep breaking the rules!
We do not close channels on request. If you believe a channel is breaking a rule, you should report it to any IRC Operator or to the appropriate help channel. Flooding, clones and warring should be reported to #admin.floodhelp or floodhelp@webchat.org. Mass Advertising should be reported to #admin.massads or massads@webchat.org. Drone channels should be reported to #admin.security. The only exception to this rule is impersonation channels. If you find an impersonation channel you may report it to us in #admin.closures.