ICQ introduces new privacy settings and support for Android 5

A new version of ICQ offers extended privacy features and supports Android 5 features. The update also delivers a new dark theme. The multiplatform messaging application was acquired in 2010 by the Mail.Ru Group and still shows a strong user base, with sources showing 42 millions daily users at the time of the acquisition.

ICQ users can now set up a PIN code to protect conversations keeping those private. ICQ can be set to lock and request the PIN code immediately after it has been shut down or after a certain time has passed - from one to 30 minutes. When the PIN code is enabled, ICQ notifications are switched to private mode, which means that contact name and message are not displayed.

To increase privacy, the private mode can be enabled without a required PIN locking. Users can choose to turn off avatars and to disable displaying pictures and videos in a phone's gallery.

A new feature from ICQ is the Anti Spam mode developed for those who want to receive messages only from people on their contact list.

The company has also added a much-requested dark theme, making the screen more readable in the evening and under low light.

The updated app now supports Android 5 notifications and animations.