Do you remember ICQ Messenger?

Hi everyone,

Do you remember ICQ Messenger, which was launched in 1996 and was very popular in the world?

For me, it was an indispensable PC messenger during my graduate school days... sigh...

I have some news related to it to share with you.

ICQ, the pioneering instant messenger service launched in 1996, will cease operations on June 26, 2024, after 28 years. This marks the end of an era for the platform, which was once famous for its unique user identification numbers and the iconic "Uh oh!" message alert[1][2].

ICQ was released by the Israeli company Mirabilis in 1996 and quickly gained popularity for its real-time communication features and unique number-based user identification system. At its peak, it had over 100 million registered users. In 1998, America Online (AOL) acquired Mirabilis for a total of $407 million, and in 2010, the Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies (now VK) purchased ICQ for $187.5 million[1][2].

On Friday, May 24, 2024, the Russian company VK, which currently manages ICQ, announced the service's closure, encouraging users to switch to VK's alternative chat solutions, VK Messenger and VK WorkSpace, with a brief message. While VK did not specify the reasons for ICQ's shutdown, the app has already been removed from app stores, signaling the start of the service's termination[1][2][3].

As ICQ's closure approaches, users are encouraged to transition to VK Messenger for personal communication and VK WorkSpace for professional collaboration. These platforms, owned by VK (formerly Mail.ru), aim to provide a smooth transition for ICQ users seeking new messaging options. VK itself is owned by Mail.ru, the state-owned Russian bank Gazprombank, and the insurance company Sogaz[1][2][3].

The shutdown of ICQ signifies the end of an era for a platform that pioneered real-time online communication. Despite its decline in popularity in recent years, ICQ will be fondly remembered by many for its unique features, such as SMS messaging and the ability to send messages to offline contacts, which set it apart from contemporary services like AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger. As users migrate to modern messaging platforms and social media services, ICQ's legacy and its role in shaping online communication will endure[1][2].

References:

[1] [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/25/24164579/icq-shut-down-june)

[2] [iClarified](https://www.iclarified.com/93724/icq-to-shut-down-on-june-26-after-28-years)

[3] [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/software/applications/90s-instant-messaging-service-shuts-down-after-28-years-icq-will-stop-working-from-june-26)

[4] [Bleeping Computer](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/icq-messenger-shuts-down-after-almost-28-years/)

[5] [AskWoody](https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/icq-messenger-shuts-down-after-almost-28-years/)