Omegle, a video chat service that connects users with strangers at random, is shutting down after 14 years following ample misuse of the platform.
In a lengthy statement announcing the site's closure, founder Leif K-Brooks reflected on how Omegle was meant to connect people worldwide and "build on the things I loved about the Internet.'' But, he added that a dark side of the platform emerged.
"Virtually every tool can be used for good or for evil,'' Brooks wrote. 'There can be no honest accounting of Omegle without acknowledging that some people misused it, including to commit unspeakably heinous crimes.''
Over the years, Omegle has faced significant scrutiny for becoming what some say is a breeding ground for child pornography and other abuse.
"Operating Omegle is no longer sustainable, financially nor psychologically,'' Brooks wrote. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who used Omegle for positive purposes, and to everyone who contributed to the site's success in any way. I'm so sorry I couldn't keep fighting for you.''
As of Thursday morning, the Omegle website remained live with Brooks' statement, but its online video chat function was no longer visible.