After 28 years, the first Internet chat ICQ shuts down

The digital landscape has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous technologies, but few have left as indelible a mark as ICQ. Launched in 1996 by the Israeli company Mirabilis, ICQ was a trailblazer in the realm of instant messaging, setting the stage for the myriad of communication platforms that followed. After 28 years of connecting people across the globe, ICQ has officially shut down, marking the end of an era.

ICQ, an acronym for "I Seek You," was developed by four young Israeli developers: Yair Goldfinger, Sefi Vigiser, Amnon Amir, and Arik Vardi. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: to create a platform that allowed real-time text communication over the internet. At a time when the internet was still in its infancy, ICQ's launch in November 1996 was nothing short of groundbreaking. The platform quickly gained traction, thanks to its user-friendly interface and the novelty of instant messaging.

Rapid Growth and Acquisition

ICQ's popularity soared, and by 1998, it had caught the attention of America Online (AOL). AOL acquired Mirabilis for $287 million, with additional performance-based payments that brought the total value of the deal to over $400 million. This acquisition was a testament to ICQ's potential and its growing user base, which had reached millions by the turn of the millennium.

At its peak in 2001, ICQ boasted over 100 million registered users, making it one of the most popular instant messaging platforms of its time. The platform's unique User Identification Number (UIN) system allowed users to connect with friends and family easily, fostering a sense of community and connectivity that was unparalleled.

Evolution and Competition

Despite its early success, ICQ faced stiff competition from other emerging messaging platforms like AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, and MSN Messenger. These competitors offered similar functionalities and gradually eroded ICQ's market share, particularly in the United States and Western Europe.

In 2010, AOL sold ICQ to the Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies (later known as Mail.ru Group and now VK) for $187.5 million. Under VK's ownership, ICQ underwent several transformations, including a shift towards mobile messaging and the introduction of new features like video calls, stickers, and smart replies. Despite these efforts, ICQ struggled to regain its former glory, with its user base dwindling to around 11 million monthly users by 2022.

The Final Chapter

On May 24, 2024, ICQ announced on its website that the service would be shutting down on June 26, 2024. The announcement marked the end of a remarkable journey that spanned nearly three decades. The shutdown was attributed to the platform's declining user base and the increasing dominance of other messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and VK's own messenger.

In a statement, VK encouraged ICQ users to transition to its other messaging services, acknowledging the significant role ICQ had played in the evolution of digital communication. "ICQ was a pioneer in the world of instant messaging, and its legacy will live on through the countless connections it helped forge," the statement read.

Legacy and Impact

ICQ's impact on the world of digital communication cannot be overstated. It was one of the first platforms to offer features like multi-user chat, offline messaging, and resumable file transfers, many of which have become standard in modern messaging apps. ICQ also played a crucial role in popularizing the concept of instant messaging, paving the way for the development of social media and other communication technologies.

For many users, ICQ was more than just a messaging platform; it was a cultural phenomenon. The distinctive "Uh-oh!" notification sound, the excitement of receiving a new message, and the nostalgia of remembering one's UIN are memories that will resonate with millions of people worldwide.

The shutdown of ICQ marks the end of an era in digital communication. While the platform may no longer be active, its legacy will continue to influence the way we connect and communicate in the digital age. As we bid farewell to ICQ, we remember it as a pioneer that brought people closer together and changed the way we interact online.