Omegle, an online chat site launched in 2009, announced today (9) that it has permanently ceased its operations! The platform allowed users to converse with strangers worldwide through text, video, and audio.
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The information comes from the creator of Omegle, Leif K-Brooks, in a statement published on the official website of the social network. In it, Brooks cites stress and the cost of various controversies, misuse by malicious individuals, and virtual crimes as reasons for the shutdown of Omegle.
Despite working with authorities and continually improving content moderation tools, attacks and misuse of Omegle have increased significantly in recent years, and Leif states that it was no longer sustainable to continue operating the platform.
“[…] A real-world analogy might be closing Central Park because crime happens there. […] Unfortunately, what is right doesn’t always prevail. As much as I wish circumstances were different, the stress and cost of this fight – along with the existing stress and expenses of operating Omegle and combating its misuse – are simply too much. Operating Omegle is no longer sustainable, financially or psychologically. Frankly, I don’t want to have a heart attack at 30.”