ICQ protocol opened for alternative clients

    ICQ IM is now open to alternative clients. Terms of use of the protocol are contained in the new version of the license agreement published yesterday, April 10. The agreement states that alternative clients will be able to use the protocol without restrictions if they fulfill a number of conditions.

    Free protocol (owned by Mail.ru Group) can be used by non-commercial clients. For developers of monetized clients, Mail.ru will provide an opportunity to discuss partnership conditions. There is already an example of such cooperation - an agreement signed in February to support ICQ by the Nimbuzz client.

    The ICQ protocol is used in a number of instant messaging services. First of all, in the official ICQ client.

    Until 2010, ICQ belonged to AOL, which put it up for sale as a non-core asset. Previous owners have repeatedly closed this protocol for third-party clients in order to encourage users to switch to the official client.

    At the same time, according to representatives of Mail.ru Group, the current owners are faced with the task of legalizing all unofficial ICQ clients.

    Links:
    License agreement for developers.

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