![Omegle Officially Shuts Down After 14 Years](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/omegleweb.jpg)
Omegle, the once-popular free video chat site known for randomly connecting strangers, has announced its shutdown after 14 years in operation.
Founder Leif K-Brooks cited financial and psychological strain, attributing it to ongoing controversies and misuse of the platform. He expressed concern for his well-being and stated that the stress was unsustainable.
K-Brooks acknowledged the challenges posed by a subset of malicious users, affirming the efforts of the moderation team and the assistance of artificial intelligence in upholding the platform’s integrity.
Despite welcoming constructive feedback, he lamented recent attacks on the site, deeming them unhelpful.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Omegle experienced a surge in popularity as people sought virtual social interactions.
However, this increase also correlated with a rise in child luring and sextortion cases, with the site allegedly being a central tool. Legal action was taken against Omegle in 2021 for a case involving an 11-year-old paired with an older individual, leading to alleged sex crimes. Similar incidents occurred in Australia that same year.
Additionally, Omegle faced criticism for permitting racism, abuse and other harmful content on its platform. These issues, coupled with the aforementioned controversies, ultimately contributed to the decision to shut down the site.
#MaltaDaily