I think we will take the development of this idea in steps.
This topic is in fact for developing interest, "Would people use it if it were made?"
Chris, most of the people who might not understand the concept of accepting files over IRC will be using the web client, and not their own client. The web clients do not accept DCC file transfer, as well as many other features possible/available over IRC. Advanced features would be available to advanced users who understand how to install/work an advanced IRC client.
ComputerHope has in the past had an IRC network for support, and we never had problems with it. The chances of someone sending a virus over IRC are about the same as someone uploading one to ComputerHope in a ZIP file and saying its a log of some sort. (We once had a scare like that... but the good point is that its only happened once.)
I think its fine that users ask questions about security, but, I can personally say:
I have been using IRC for a very long time, as well as JohnK, and millions of other people. IRC is very secure. In order to get a virus via IRC, you need to purposely download a file. In order to have your identify stolen, you have to purposely give out information. I think it will be important that we include an information alert when a user joins remind them to never download files from people who they do not trust, and to avoid giving out your personal information (including over personal chats) over the public internet, and also to REPORT users who do this.
But, for now, lets just get down to: Would you use it?
And security concerns can be discussed later when we come up with how this whole thing is going to work.
Poll