Omegle, a popular video chat platform that randomly connects people online, is shutting down after 14 years. The decision was made by the creator of Omegle, Leif-K Brooks, due to the stress and expense of operating it and fighting its misuse.
Omegle was launched in 2009 and quickly became one of the most popular chat platforms in the world. The site allowed users to connect with strangers from all over the world and chat via video or text.
The website became popular in India, apart from the US, Mexico and the UK, during the pandemic times.
“As much as I wish circumstances were different, the stress and expense of this fight. Coupled with the existing stress and expense of operating Omegle, and fighting its misuse – are simply too much. Frankly, I don’t want to have a heart attack in my 30s,” said Brooks in a blog,
Brooks believes that the site has been unfairly targeted by people who want to eliminate all forms of online communication because of the actions of a few malicious users. He argues that this is an overreaction and that it is important to protect the right of people to meet and connect with strangers online.
In a blog post, K-Brooks said that over the years, people have used Omegle to explore foreign cultures, to get advice about their lives from impartial third parties, and to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, he said that the battle for Omegle has been lost, but the war against the Internet rages on.
The BBC investigation had found the website “could link users with adult material even more frequently”. Schools and law authorities in several countries had issued warnings about the website.
The website allowed users to engage in anonymous one-on-one video calls and text chats without the hassle of registration or sign-ups.
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