In a move to prioritize user safety, Google has announced plans to discontinue its (link unavailable) URL shortening service. The decision, which was first announced in 2018, will see millions of links become inactive starting August 25, 2025.

Deadline Set for Discontinuation

Google has set a deadline of August 25, 2025, for the discontinuation of the service. After this date, all (link unavailable) links will become inactive and return a 404 error message. This means that millions of links will cease to function, leaving users with dead links.

Warning Issued to Users

Google has issued a warning to users, informing them of the impending discontinuation of the service. Users who attempt to access (link unavailable) links after the deadline will receive a notification informing them that the service has been discontinued. The notification will be sent to users starting August 23, initially to a limited number of users, but eventually to all users.

Instructions for Developers and Website Owners

Google has also issued instructions to developers and website owners on how to manage the transition. Developers are advised to use alternative URL shortening services, such as Firebase Dynamic Links or Bitly.

History of the Service

The (link unavailable) URL shortening service was launched in 2009, allowing users to shorten long URLs into shorter, more manageable links. However, in 2018, Google announced plans to discontinue the service, citing security concerns. The service was initially intended to be discontinued in 2019, but was later extended to August 2025.

Google's History of Discontinuing Services

This is not the first time Google has discontinued a service. In the past, the company has shut down services such as Google+, Hangouts, and Stadia. The decision to discontinue (link unavailable) is seen as part of Google's efforts to prioritize user safety and streamline its services.

Impact on Users

The discontinuation of (link unavailable) will likely have a significant impact on users, particularly those who rely on the service for sharing links. Users are advised to migrate to alternative URL shortening services to avoid disruption. In conclusion, Google's decision to discontinue (link unavailable) is a significant move that will affect millions of users. While the decision may cause inconvenience to some, it is seen as a necessary step to prioritize user safety and security.

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