The social network Path, once a relatively popular alternative to Twitter and Facebook, is gone for good.
Fans of the social network in Indonesia have been circulating a Path shut down message for a few days now, bemoaning the loss — even though many admitted they hadn’t recently been active on the app and weren’t surprised by its decision to shut down.
The website and app were still available over the weekend and there was no mention of an imminent closure, but this afternoon Path officially confirmed the death of the app — on Twitter.
It is with deep regret to announce that Path service will be discontinued. It has been a long journey and we sincerely thank each one of you for your years of love and support Path.
Please visit here https://t.co/2MFh5A7C23 for more details. pic.twitter.com/rczKgx6ooW— Path (@path) September 17, 2018
“The Kiss of Death”
Why are Indonesians upset over the shutdown of a US firm? The social network had gained significant traction in the country. Elsewhere, it wasn’t growing much after an initially promising start in 2010.
In 2014, a controversial Indonesian investor, the Bakrie Group, participated in Path’s series D round, which prompted bad press in the US. Its popularity in Indonesia was predicted to be “the kiss of death” for the company.
In 2015 Path was sold to Korean internet firm Daum Kakao, who promised to revive it although interest seemed to be waning even in its last stronghold in Indonesia. But Path was still serving its users and making updates to the app, the latest version was released in May 2018.
The website now mentions the following shut down schedule:
- 9.17.2018 : Notice on Path service discontinuation
- 10.1.2018: Unable to download/update the app in iTunes and Google Play
- 10.18.2018: Termination of the Service (Unable to access to Path)
- 11.15.2018: Path related customer service will be closed
It includes detailed descriptions for how to back up your data and how to get a refund for paid subscriptions. The site, however, does not mention what will happen with user data post shut down.
KrAsia has reached out to Path and Kakao for comment.