Farewell announcement reveals an unfortunate error
The design platform Iconfinder has officially announced that it will shut down on November 15, 2025, marking the end of a long-running service used by designers and developers worldwide. The announcement came in the form of an email to registered users — but what was intended as a farewell message quickly became a privacy issue.
Instead of using the blind carbon copy (BCC) field, the email was sent using CC, exposing the addresses of all recipients to everyone included. The mistake effectively revealed hundreds of personal and professional email addresses to other users.
Shutdown details and data retention
In the message, Iconfinder confirmed that:
- The platform will no longer be accessible from November 15, 2025.
- New subscriptions have already been stopped.
- User data will be blocked and deleted after a five-year retention period, as required by EU data protection laws.
The email was sent from contact@iconfinder.com, directing users to reach out to support@freepik.com for further assistance. This indicates that Freepik, which acquired Iconfinder in 2021, is overseeing the platform’s closure.
Privacy concerns and possible GDPR implications
The accidental CC exposure has raised questions about data handling practices at Iconfinder and Freepik. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), revealing personal email addresses without consent constitutes a data breach, which companies are required to report to their national data protection authority — in this case, Datatilsynet in Denmark.
As of now, neither Iconfinder nor Freepik has publicly commented on the incident or clarified whether authorities have been notified.
Users affected by the email exposure are advised to retain a copy of the message as evidence and contact Freepik directly if they wish to request deletion or clarification of their personal data.
End of an era for a design staple
Founded in 2007, Iconfinder became a trusted platform for designers seeking high-quality icons for websites, apps, and digital projects. The decision to close the service ends nearly two decades of operation and comes amid growing consolidation in the creative asset market.
While the shutdown itself has disappointed many loyal users, the mishandled farewell email has left an unfortunate final impression on what was once one of the most respected resources in the design community.
