Why Wickr Me App Stopped Accepting New Users - The Reason Behind Its Closure

Wickr Me, an Amazon-owned encrypted chat app, has stopped accepting new users and is set to fully shut down on December 31, 2022. This decision has raised concerns among its users, who are wondering why the app was discontinued.

According to a statement from Amazon, Wickr Me's closure is part of a plan to refocus on its enterprise and government versions of the app. The company claims that this move will allow it to improve security for its large organizational customers, who face growing threats in today's hybrid working environment.

However, Wickr Me's shutdown has also been linked to allegations that the app was used to facilitate illegal activities such as child sexual abuse material and drug transactions. A June report by NBC News claimed that the app was popular among journalists and whistleblowers due to its secure communication features, but it was also allegedly used for illicit purposes.

Wickr Me's history dates back to 2012, when it started life as a public-facing app before being acquired by Amazon in 2021. Despite its popularity among security-minded groups, including hackers, drug dealers, and journalists, the app has faced criticism for not doing enough to detect or report illegal activities on its platform.

In June, an investigation revealed that Wickr Me had become the easiest product for many who sold child sexual abuse material. The study identified 72 court cases from the previous five years in which the defendant used Wickr to sell child sexual abuse material.

Wickr has been quick to respond to reports of illegal behavior and has collaborated with law enforcement agencies on these critical matters. According to a spokesperson, anyone found to violate their terms is subject to account termination, and they act quickly on reports of illegal activity.

Despite the allegations surrounding Wickr Me's closure, Amazon has emphasized its commitment to preventing child sexual abuse material in all segments of its business, including Wickr. The company has also maintained strict Terms of Use that prohibit the illegal movement of such content.

In conclusion, the shutdown of Wickr Me is a result of Amazon's plan to refocus on its enterprise and government versions of the app, with an aim to improve security for its large organizational customers. While this decision may raise concerns among users, it is essential to recognize that the app had faced criticism for not doing enough to detect or report illegal activities on its platform.

The closure of Wickr Me serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for tech companies to prioritize security and prevent the spread of harmful content. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that we remain vigilant in our efforts to promote online safety and protect users from harm.

Wickr me app down