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Omegle, a widely used video chat platform, is closing its doors after 14 years due to reported abuse by users. The service, known for connecting people with random strangers online, gained popularity, especially among children and young individuals during the pandemic. Founder Leif K Brooks cited financial and psychological challenges as reasons for the closure, amid heightened scrutiny of social media platforms globally.
In a week where Ofcom issued guidance for tech platforms under the UK Online Safety Act, the decision to shut down comes amidst growing concerns, including those related to online grooming. Omegle has faced controversy, notably in a case where a young American accused the platform of pairing her randomly with a predator. Despite legal battles, Omegle's legal team argued that the platform was not at fault.
Leif K Brooks admitted that some people used Omegle for terrible crimes, and he mentioned ongoing attacks from a harmful group of users targeting communication services.
The announcement evoked reactions on social media, with users sharing their favorite memories of Omegle, expressing surprise and nostalgia. The news reported Omegle's mention in over 50 cases against paedophiles in various countries.
TikTok had previously banned sharing links to Omegle following a 2021 investigation that revealed concerns about children exposing themselves on the site. The Internet Watch Foundation noted a significant increase in explicit content involving young children since pandemic lockdowns, logging over 63,000 webpages in 2022 compared to 5,000 before the pandemic.
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