On IPv4, the server accepts the connection but closes it right after.

On IPv6, it works (as mentioned by others already).

`telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl 23` works just fine for me

Not for me. Maybe they have a connection limit which HN users are surpassing?

It works, it also greeted me with a "you use ipv6, you rock" message.

Doesn't work for me (outside Europe). Didn't work from US server too. Did work from UK VPS.

So maybe only works within Europe, or has some other IP/location restriction.

Works for me in Canada, but only using IPv6.

I think that was the joke. I was expecting something like that. Oooh, someone redid that for GitS? I stood there for a second processing how I just got pranked before I erupted in uproarious laughter.

I shot cola out of my nose in the middle of my office. My other coworkers were like 'Pass the link, I've never seen you laugh so hard'

Oh, that must have been taken down kind of recently. I believe I used it less than a year ago. :/