Viber is a popular messaging application with millions of users worldwide after its introduction in 2010. It offers a range of communication and collaboration features, including text messages, voice calls, and file sharing. However, as with many messaging platforms, this application has faced backlash over its security practices.
While it supports end-to-end chat encryption, privacy advocates have still questioned its safety. For instance, there have been questions about how Viber handles data storage. That's why this article analyzes the security and provides a clear answer to the question, "Is Viber safe?” for users who focus on privacy.
Table of Content
Part 1. What is Viber?
Moving on, before you jump into discussing how safe Viber is, let us first understand what it is. As a VoIP messenger application, Viber enables users to communicate with people through various means. This application has a user-friendly interface that ensures easy navigation and accessibility to everyone. It is popular amongst many users since it has good compatibility with different OS.
Besides, it guarantees that your chats have end-to-end encryption, protecting your personal or business interactions. This app also gained popularity amongst young adults since it provides users with various stickers and emoticons to give a unique communication experience. You can also quickly transfer your call from the mobile to the desktop app for a seamless experience.
- Users can start group video and voice calls with up to 60 members and have high-quality calls with loved ones worldwide.
- Like Meta’s messaging app, it embeds an AI chatbot to answer your questions and transform words into virtual reality without leaving the app.
- You can switch between your applications' light and dark themes through the appearance in the settings panel.
- It lets you hide chats by setting a PIN code so that you are the only one who can access them.
Part 2. Is Viber a Safe App?
Generally, it is considered safe because of its strong security features, like end-to-end encryption for calls and messages. This encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can see the content. Besides, the application ensures that users are protected from any third parties. It also offers hidden chats and secret chats, allowing users to set a timer for messages to disappear.
However, the platform does collect some user data, like contacts, which may be alarming for users. Also, it doesn't allow encrypting the cloud backup, which makes data restoration unsecure. Overall, Viber is a secure option, but users should consider its data collection when it comes to their data privacy.
Now that we have a proper understanding of Viber and its features, here is a comparison table between the top 2 messaging platforms. To learn which is safer, Viber or WhatsApp, since they are the most used applications, it is best to compare them to know which tool is best.
Feature | Viber | |
End-to-End Encryption | Viber has end-to-end encryption for group and individual chats and calls. | WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption for chats and calls, including groups. |
Secret Chats | It has a secret chat feature that automatically deletes chats with a self-destruction timer. | There is a chat lock feature, which can hide your text chat and unlock it with a passcode. |
Backup Encryption | It lacks encrypted cloud backup storage software. | Google Drive is used for Android users, and iCloud is used for iOS users for encrypted backups. |
Data Collection | Users’ contacts and device information are collected. | Metadata, contacts, device information, and detailed user data are collected. |
Third-Party Data Sharing | The application consists of constant ad interruptions and promotional messages. | It collects and shares data with Meta for targeted user ads. |
Two-Step Verification | There is no two-step verification on this tool. | For additional security, they have added a personalized 6-digit PIN code. |
Privacy Concerns | It collects minimal metadata but has ads, which causes some data sharing. | This application collects a lot of data tied to Meta, which raises concerns. |
Part 3: Is Viber Safe for Kids?
If you are browsing "Is Viber safe to use for kids,”continue looking because this part will discover if Viber is a safe messaging app for your kids.
- Lack Parental Controls: It lacks built-in parental control features that allow users to limit their child's use. In return, this makes it harder for parents to track or restrict their kids' activities on the app.
- Age Restrictions: When talking about safe use, a child needs to be at least 13 years old to use the app. This safeguard is intended to protect younger users from exposure to potentially harmful content or interactions.
- No Explicit Content Filter: While the platform is relatively safe, it doesn’t automatically filter explicit or inappropriate content in messages or shared media. Parents need to educate children about online safety and check usage accordingly.
- Contact Management: This messaging application allows users to add contacts freely, which could lead to kids interacting with strangers. Parents should teach their children to only accept requests from people they know personally.
Part 4: How to Keep Viber Safe to Use [Parents Tips]
In addition to the above discussion, here are some parental tips you can keep in mind. If you have a child using the application who is over 13, these tips will help you take control.
One of the best ways to keep this app safe to use is to utilize a third-party tool to track your kid’s activity. Wondershare FamiSafe is the most reliable parental control app that can limit your kid's screen time. This tool shares screenshots of their child's device screen, which are scheduled randomly. Besides, the One-way Audio feature ensures parents listen to calls or any other sound the child has on their phone.
The calls and messages tracking ensures that parents can see who and when their children are talking to on their mobiles. FamiSafe also ensures that parents can block apps from their kids' phones so they cannot use them. Overall, this tool helps you maintain restrictions and avoid digital addiction in kids.
Key Features of FamiSafe:
- Screen Viewer: FamiSafe’s Screen Viewer feature allows parents to view their child's device screen in real-time. This tool is handy for supervising online interactions without handling the device.
- Screen Timer: Parents can schedule downtime to encourage balance between screen time and other activities. Screen time feature enables parents to set daily limits on device use, promoting healthy screen habits and reducing excessive usage.
- App Rules: With FamiSafe's app rules, parents can control app usage by setting restrictions and blocking specific apps. This feature ensures children only access age-appropriate content and reduces potential exposure to harmful apps.
Encourage your child only to accept message requests from people they know personally and regularly check their contacts list. Remind them not to share personal information with strangers and report any suspicious interactions.
Establish guidelines for when and how Viber can be used, such as limiting usage to specific times and ensuring it’s only used in a family-safe environment. Discuss the importance of privacy and digital etiquette, including not sharing sensitive content.
Conclusion
To summarize this entire discussion and answer your question, “Is Viber Safe?” Yes, it is a safe messaging platform for young adults and kids over 13. We have looked into the tips parents can take to avoid their children getting addicted to social media applications. The best way to do so is to download the FamiSafe application, track your kid's screen time, and restrict their overuse.