An anonymous messaging app called Secret has been shut down despite being valued at $100 million at one point. The app is being closed by its co-founder David Byttow, who said it “does not represent the vision I had when starting the company”. Mr Byttow says he believes in “failing fast”.
The app was designed to promote free speech amongst other aims but was criticized for what some saw as facilitating cyber-bullying. The company plans to receive a portion of its $35 million funding to investors after user numbers dropped significantly over recent months.
High-profile figures including Ashton Kutcher have invested in the service, which was founded in 2013 by two ex-Google employees. The company also received investment from Google Ventures. It had been used by technology industry staff posting rumors about forthcoming products and services but was banned in Brazil for promoting cyber-bullying. The company urged users to “think before they post” before they relaunched the service last year, allowing people to flag up abusive posts.
Other apps closed shortly after receiving significant investment include photo and video-sharing service Color, which had attracted $41 million from backers. Ask.fm has also hit the news for promoting cyber bullying. Mr Byttow told the media: “This has been the hardest decision of my life and one that saddens me deeply.”
