Video chat service Omegle shuts down over misuse

CNN– A popular video chat service is shutting down after its founder acknowledged persistent criminal activity on its website and app.

Omegle’s popularity surged during the pandemic and paired random users through video chat.

But critics say its anonymous, freewheeling nature created a haven for pedophilia and child sexual abuse.

In a statement, Omegle’s founder Leif K-Brooks said despite his efforts to foster a community and “alleviate feelings of loneliness” crimes and misuses made its operations “no longer sustainable”.

Omegle is at the center of multiple lawsuits and has been listed in complaints related to child pornography cases.

The site had about 60 million monthly visits.