ICQ is shutting down its instant messaging platform on June 26, after nearly three decades

ICQ, one of the first instant messaging clients, will shut down on June 26, as announced on its website. Users are advised to transition to other messaging platforms provided by VK, the parent company, such as VK Messenger. ICQ, originally developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis and later acquired by AOL in 1998, had a significant user base, reaching 100 million registered users by 2001. However, it eventually fell behind newer messaging services and smartphone apps.

In 2010, Russian social media company VK purchased ICQ from AOL with the aim of revitalizing the service. VK's efforts included developing mobile versions of ICQ, which led to a brief resurgence around 2014. Despite these attempts, the app failed to maintain its relevance and was removed from both the App Store and Google Play.

VK has opted not to comment on the shutdown, preferring to discontinue the app rather than continue investing in it. The company currently operates a social media platform similar to Facebook and VK Messenger, which has over 10 million downloads on Google Play. Interestingly, the ICQ X/Twitter account hinted at a potential comeback with a Terminator meme, but details remain speculative.