The microblogging app Koo, which emerged as an alternative to the American platform X (formerly Twitter), has announced its shutdown due to financial constraints. Launched in 2020 in more than 10 Indian languages, Koo aimed to provide a localized social media experience for Indian users. However, the high operational costs and lack of sufficient funding have forced its founders to cease its operations.
Koo gained popularity among Indian users, especially after several ministers endorsed the platform amid ongoing tensions between the Indian government and X. The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had requested X to suspend accounts of journalists, news organizations, and opposition leaders accused of spreading false information. Initially compliant, X later restored these accounts, citing insufficient justification, which led to threats of legal action against the company’s employees in India.
Despite its initial success and support from government officials, Koo struggled to maintain its financial viability. The platform’s founders cited the unsustainable costs of technology and operations as the primary reasons for the shutdown. The announcement has left millions of users in confusion and searching for new platforms to continue their online presence.
Koo's journey highlights the challenges faced by domestic social media platforms in competing with global giants, particularly in a highly regulated and financially demanding environment. As the platform prepares to wind down, the digital landscape in India faces yet another shift, prompting users and policymakers to reconsider the future of homegrown tech solutions.
