ICQ sources are in open access

The source code for the ICQ desktop client has been published on Github. At first it seemed like an unauthorized leak, because the original repository was already deleted ( Google cache ). There is a fork .

Representatives of Mail.ru later explained that the publication of the source code was made deliberately: “We have long had the idea to post ICQ to public access, and when we decided to use the QT library to develop new versions, there was an additional motivation. Although under the terms of QT, we have to publish part of the development, we decided to lay out everything so that users had the full opportunity to modify ICQ versions. ”



Interestingly, the repository even has a private key , which is used to sign Sparkle updates. Now everyone can release their own updates for the ICQ client for Mac, especially since the updates are downloaded from the server over an unprotected HTTP connection.
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In the late 90s and early 2000s, ICQ was a very popular program, especially among Russian-speaking users. It was the only common instant messenger. Everyone knew their UIN number by heart. In ICQ there was even a peculiar function of microblogging - through statuses. Now everyone has gone to Skype, social networks and mobile IM-clients, so from the source code there is little confusion, except nostalgia.

UPD. Comment by Dimitryopho , Mail.ru employee:

We update ICQ desktop clients and will tell you about everything soon. This is not a leak, and the source will again be available to all in the near future.

For Mac, we use Apple's signature, and the Sparkle DSA certificate verification is optional for the version on our site. (DSA signatures are what I’ve signed for the app), but we still recommended DSA signatures as a backup.

In addition, in the new version for Mac there will be a new update.