• By Kamal Kumar
  • Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:27 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Omegle will not remain functional anymore. The platform which has provided a place to live video chat with strangers, giving respite to millions of loners, stopped functioning on Thursday. Leif K-Brooks, the founder of the platform while announcing the decision to close the website wrote a poignant letter to the users, many of whom reacted with shock and disbelief over the decision. The cost of managing it, both psychologically and financially has become difficult, the founder said.

While recounting his journey from a 'small-town' child to an adult who understands the needs of Gen Z, he describes the challenges in running the website.

"Growing up in a small town, relatively isolated from the larger world, it was a revelation how much more there was to discover – how many interesting people and ideas the world had to offer."

Also Read: RIP Omegle: Found Leif K-Brooks Officially Shuts Down Platform Which Helped Users To Meet Strangers After 14 Years; Here' Why

Jotting down the reasons which contributed to the shocking decision, he wrote, "Omegle is the direct target of these attacks, but their ultimate victim is you: all of you out there who have used or would have used, Omegle to improve your lives, and the lives of others. When they say Omegle shouldn’t exist, they are saying that you shouldn’t be allowed to use it; that you shouldn’t be allowed to meet random new people online."

How do netizens react?

The unexpected decision has also left the users, many of whom started their content creation journey by posting their stranger's interaction over social media, startled as they struggle to cope with the closure of their favourite website. Shocked fans and users took to X to express their thoughts.

An X user, IcyRB while sharing a chat video with one stranger, wrote "R.I.P Omegle, you will be missed. 2009-2023," while another user Nikhil Gupta said, "After 14 years, Omegle is shutting down. Back in college, my friends and I used to sit in groups and talk and troll random strangers for no reason. Good old happy memories with Omegle. Did you guys use Omegle?"

However, many users have also reacted positively about the closure while taking a jibe at the content of the site.

A user Manoj Verma said that he is happy as the platform was leading to the loss of valuable time for teenagers. "A good end! I am happy for the teenagers who wasted time on this platform #Omegle," he wrote.

Why Omegle was under fire?
Omegle's has come under scrutiny for its involvement in enabling online abuse and grooming, many users also pointed out the fact. Many allegations of misuse of websites by child abusers were reported. K-Brooks recognized these issues in the announcement. He mentioned that the platform has become a target for attacks, and the company can no longer sustain the effort to combat the misuse of its service.

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