Why is it most IRC networks prohibit the use of proxies? I've tried connecting to many different IRC networks via a HTTP, SOCKS5, and SOCKS4 proxy, and as soon as I connect, it klines me. I remember about 2 years ago, you could connect to an IRC server via a proxy with no problems at all. I like using proxies because I don't want to my real IP address to be known and subject to attacks.

It's usually open proxies that are banned. It is due to abuse that this action is taken - proxy floods, for example, allowing a large number of exploited hosts to flood channels and the like.

For information on hiding your IP address have you taken a look at this sticky thread?

Regards,