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Google shutting down Orkut social network on September 30th

delete-new-orkut

Google today in a blog post announced that it is closing down its first attempt at a social network, Orkut. Google says the network will officially bite the dust on September 30th, though starting today, it is no longer possible to create an account for the service. Leading up until September 30th users will be able to make the transition to Google+ or another social network of their choosing. Users will also have the ability to export their profile data, photos, and posts through Google Takeout. The Orkut app will be removed from the Play Store and App Store today.

Orkut launched 10 years ago and was part of Google’s “20 percent project,” which allowed employes to dedicate a fifth of their time towards working on a side project of their choosing. Google will preserve all of the Orkut communities in archive form. The archive will go live September 30th, as well. Google says if you don’t want your name and posts included in this archive, you can remove Orkut integration from your Google account.

It’s been a great 10 years, and we apologize to those still actively using the service. We hope people will find other online communities to spark more conversations and build even more connections for the next decade and beyond.

Google will obviously be focusing its efforts on its other social platforms, including Google+ and YouTube, now that Orkut is going away.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Email: Chance@9to5mac.com

Chance currently writes for both 9to5Google and 9to5Mac, in addition to 9to5Toys.