An IRC operator (often abbreviated as IRCop or oper) is a user on an Internet Relay Chat network who has privileged access. IRC operators are charged with the task of enforcing the network's rules, and in many cases, improving the network in various areas. The permissions available to an IRC operator vary according to the server software in use, and the server's configuration.

IRC operators are divided into local and global operators. The former are limited to the server(s) they have specific access to; however, global operators can perform actions affecting all users on the network. In order to perform their duties, IRC operators usually have the ability to:

• Forcibly disconnect users (Kill)
• Ban (K-line or G-line) users
• Change network routing by disconnecting (squitting) or connecting servers

Traditionally, a list of operators on a particular server is available in the MOTD, or through the /stats o [servername] command. A user can become an operator by sending the command /oper to the irc server they currently are on using a pre-selected username and a password as parameters. The command only works for the server which has the proper O-line in its IRCd configuration file. The IP address that the user is operating from may also have to match a predefined one, as an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized users operating if they have cracked the operator's password.