ICQ Messenger to Cease Operations After Nearly Three Decades

The pioneering messaging app, once a staple of early internet communication, will shut down on June 26.

ICQ, launched in 1996, was one of the first widely-used instant messaging platforms.
The app, known for its distinctive 'uh-oh' notification sound, peaked with over 100 million users.
Despite efforts to modernize, ICQ struggled to compete with newer, mobile-first messaging apps.
Russian company VK, which acquired ICQ in 2010, is directing users to its VK Messenger platform.
ICQ's closure marks the end of an era for early internet communication tools.