The End of an Era: ICQ Messenger Shuts Down

In a message published by Russian company VK, the iconic ICQ messenger is finally coming to an end. The message simply states, “ICQ will stop working from June 26th,” urging users to transition to other chat solutions. ICQ, one of the early instant messenger services, will be shutting down after years of connecting users through real-time chats.

ICQ, which was founded in 1996 by Israeli company Mirabilis, quickly gained popularity by offering users a unique way to connect with each other through assigned numbers instead of aliases or email addresses. It also introduced innovative features such as SMS messaging and the ability to message offline users. The nostalgic “Uh oh!” alert is something that many of us from a certain age group will fondly remember.

At its peak, ICQ boasted 100 million registered users, according to a 2001 release from Time Warner. However, the service’s glory days were short-lived as it was acquired by AOL in 1998. Subsequent ownership changes saw ICQ being sold to Digital Sky Technologies, the same firm that owned VK, in 2010. Despite its early success, ICQ struggled to keep up with modern messenger apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

As ICQ prepares to bid farewell, its impact on the evolution of instant messaging cannot be understated. The messenger paved the way for future platforms to provide real-time communication and connect users from around the world. While ICQ may no longer be a part of our digital lives, its legacy will always hold a special place in the history of online communication.

The discontinuation of ICQ marks the end of an era in the world of instant messaging. While users may feel nostalgic for the days of connecting through assigned numbers and hearing the familiar “Uh oh!” alert, it is clear that the time has come to say goodbye to this iconic messenger. As we move forward into an era of advanced communication technologies, let us remember and appreciate the role that ICQ played in shaping the way we connect and communicate online.