ICQ protocol opened for alternative clients

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

A free protocol (owned by Mail.ru Group) can be used by non-commercial customers. Mail.ru developers who monetize clients will be given the opportunity to discuss partnership terms. There is already an example of such cooperation - the agreement signed in February on the support of 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.
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At the same time, according to representatives of Mail.ru Group, the current owners face the task of legalizing all unofficial ICQ clients.

References:
Developer License Agreement.