{
  "id": 5585218,
  "title": "Canonical shuttering some of its legacy chat channels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/canonical-shuttering-some-of-its-legacy-chat-channels",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-04T14:56:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/09/04/canonical-shuttering-some-of-its-legacy-chat-channels/5294524"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Canonical is closing certain legacy chat channels and tools for users, though some may persist unofficially. In May, Aaron Prisk announced on Discord that Ubuntu Pastebin would close at the end of June. Now, another Aaron, Aaron Rainbolt, has confirmed the closure of IRC channels. Official Ubuntu chat channels are now on Matrix, which can be accessed via a link on the introductory site. This is not new, as Linux Mint also transitioned similarly when Mint 22 was released. The Ubuntu Wiki still lists the now-still-official IRC servers and channels, hosted on Libera Chat since 2021. Users should not expect assistance or moderation from staff on these unofficial channels, including the Ubuntu mailing lists. Pastebins were introduced to simplify Linux troubleshooting, but they can contain sensitive information. Alternatives to the original pastebin include Pastebin.com, Github Gists, and various encrypted pastebins. Canonical's decision to phase out older technology like IRC and pastebins highlights the trend of retiring outdated tools in recent years.",
  "summary": "The Ubuntu Pastebin went in June, IRC gets demoted next",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Canonical shuttering some of its legacy chat channels",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/canonical-shuttering-some-of-its-legacy-chat-channels-5588681",
        "published": "2026-09-04T14:56:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}