Goodbye, Omegle! Popular online chat platform shuts down after 14 years, founder says 'people misused it'

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Omegle, the once-popular online chat platform, has officially shut down after a 14-year run, marking the end of an era in the world of random online conversations.
Founded in 2009 by Leif K-Brooks, Omegle gained fame for its unique approach of connecting strangers for anonymous one-on-one interactions. However, the platform faced substantial challenges over the years, leading to its ultimate demise.

Founder Explains Closure

K-Brooks explained the decision to shut down Omegle in a lengthy post on its website, citing the significant costs associated with managing the platform and addressing ongoing misuse issues.

He expressed the financial and psychological burden of operating Omegle, stating, “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. Operating Omegle is no longer sustainable, financially nor psychologically.”

Controversy & Criticism

However, the platform's closure is not without controversy. One of the primary concerns that plagued Omegle throughout its existence was its susceptibility to online abuse. Omegle faced criticism for its role in online abuse, particularly concerning cases of child exploitation. The website became a magnet for paedophiles, prompting legal actions and investigations in various countries.

K-Brooks acknowledged the platform's vulnerability to misuse and the financial strain of combating it. He candidly admitted, “There can be no honest accounting of Omegle without acknowledging that some people misused it, including to commit unspeakably heinous crimes.”

Efforts to address these issues included the introduction of moderated chat rooms,