Online communication tool Skype is down for thousands of users and Microsoft is reportedly working on a fix.
According to downdetector.co.za, problems with the app started at around 9:15 this morning (local time) and have persisted since. The areas effected the worst are the US, Europe and the UK, but local users are also being hit.
Skype has released a statement saying it’s aware of the problem and it’s trying to ascertain its cause.
“We are aware of an incident where users will either lose connectivity to the application and may be unable to send or receive messages,” it said. “Some users will be unable to see a black bar that indicates them that a group call is ongoing, and longer delays in adding users to their buddy list.”
As one can imagine, that (non-)explanation has done nothing to appease individuals or businesses who depend on Skype for their work, and so Twitter and Facebook are lighting up with complaints as I type this.
Some are understandably angry:
#skypedown but question is: why am I still using Skype in 2017?
— Matteo Rossi (@matteoredz) June 20, 2017
Maybe is time to move to Hangouts……. ?#skypedown
— New (@new555) June 20, 2017
While others are trying to capitalise on the situation:
https://twitter.com/christinapoula/status/876949168970846210
Most, however, are being as sarcastic and scornful as you’d expect:
https://twitter.com/darrenbootland/status/877075843209728000
https://twitter.com/darrenbootland/status/877094006290821120
Welcome to #Skype. #skypedown pic.twitter.com/KiicSrXrtg
— Zoran (@ZokaBazooka) June 20, 2017
At the time of writing it’s unclear whether this is Skype throwing a fit or whether the service has been hacked by outsiders. We’ll post updates as and when we get them.
In the meantime, there’s always Google Hangouts. Or Facebook. Or Whatsapp. Or Discord. Or… actually does anyone use Skype on a regular basis anymore is that just us for our morning editorial meetings?
