Viber's Encryption
Viber uses default E2EE for one-on-one messages and calls. Group chats also have E2EE. Viber also offers disappearing messages and hidden chats. This puts it ahead of many competitors on encryption.
Privacy Guide
Viber Privacy Guide: Rakuten's Messenger Reviewed
Viber offers default end-to-end encryption for one-on-one messages and calls, making it stronger than many mainstream alternatives. However, as a Rakuten subsidiary, its data practices warrant examination.
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Data Collection
Despite encryption, Viber collects metadata including contacts, call logs, device information, and usage patterns. Rakuten uses this data across its e-commerce ecosystem for advertising and analytics.
Phone Number Requirement
Viber requires a phone number for registration, linking your identity to your account. This creates a single identifier that can be used to track you across services and shared with Rakuten's broader data ecosystem.
Privacy Comparison
Viber's encryption is commendable but its metadata collection and phone number requirement weaken overall privacy. WeTalkin provides the same encryption plus zero-knowledge architecture with no phone number requirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viber more private than WhatsApp?
Viber and WhatsApp both offer E2EE, but Viber is not owned by Meta. However, both collect extensive metadata. WeTalkin provides superior privacy with zero metadata collection.
Does Viber share data with Rakuten?
Viber is a Rakuten subsidiary and shares data within the Rakuten ecosystem. Your messaging metadata may contribute to Rakuten's advertising and e-commerce profiling.
Can Viber read my encrypted messages?
No. Viber's E2EE prevents the company from reading message content. However, they can see who you communicate with, when, and for how long.
Privacy verdict: the tools in this guide
Our independent privacy assessments of the apps mentioned above — and what to switch to.
Head-to-headSignal vs Messenger — Signal winsPrivacy score Signal 92 · Messenger 15Head-to-headTelegram vs Messenger — Telegram winsPrivacy score Telegram 55 · Messenger 15Head-to-headWeTalkin vs Messenger — WeTalkin winsPrivacy score WeTalkin 95 · Messenger 15Switch awayBest Viber alternatives — our pick: SignalSwitch awayBest Viber alternatives — our pick: SignalSwitch awayBest Viber alternatives — our pick: Signal
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