Viber Archives

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Vietnam’s dominant messaging app faces regulatory scrutiny over data policy update

Vietnam’s National Competition Commission (NCC) has ordered VNG Corporation to revise its updated service terms for the Zalo messaging app due to user privacy concerns. The NCC emphasized that users should not be forced to consent to personal data collection as a condition for using the app and that consent mechanisms need to be voluntary and clear. The updated terms require users to accept all data management provisions or face account deletion within 45 days, which has led to significant user complaints and a decline in app ratings. Zalo's average rating on Apple’s App Store has fallen to around two out of five stars, and it has slipped to 59th place in download rankings, while international apps like WhatsApp and Viber have become more popular. Zalo has around 78 million active users and operates over 17,000 official accounts used by government and businesses. The NCC intends to meet with VNG to discuss the updated policy, as part of a wider regulatory trend against coercive data practices in digital firms globally.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Banned and blocked. Russia says good-bye to messaging apps

Russia's censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, has banned several popular communication platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, and FaceTime, citing their use in organizing terrorist acts, recruiting criminals, and committing fraud. The ban on WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app in Russia, is expected to have significant implications. This decision follows a pattern of increasing digital restrictions, with other services such as Facebook, Instagram, Signal, Viber, and Google Meet also being blocked. Russian authorities are promoting a national messaging app called Max, which is set to become mandatory in public sectors by January 1, 2026. Max will require full access to users' devices and will collect telemetry and metadata, raising privacy concerns due to its integration with government systems.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

After WhatsApp and Apple FaceTime, Russia bans Snapchat; government says: App being used to… – The Times of India

Russia's state internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked Snapchat and imposed restrictions on Apple's FaceTime, accusing both platforms of facilitating terrorist activities and criminal operations. The agency stated that these apps were used to organize terrorist activities, recruit individuals, and commit fraud against citizens. Snapchat has been unavailable in Russia since October 10. This action is part of Russia's broader strategy to restrict digital communications, having already blocked major Western platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, along with messaging services such as Signal and Viber. Telegram's voice and video calls are also facing limitations. The Kremlin is promoting MAX, a state-controlled app that combines messaging, government services, and payments, which is mandatory on new mobile devices. WhatsApp has received warnings of a potential ban if Meta does not comply with law enforcement requests. Additionally, virtual private network services are increasingly being blocked by Russian authorities.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

WhatsApp Blocked in Russia: Messaging App Faces Crackdown

Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications regulator, plans to impose stricter restrictions on WhatsApp due to allegations of its use in activities that violate Russian law, such as organizing terrorist acts and fraud. WhatsApp has not met compliance standards, leading to extended limitations and the possibility of a complete ban if violations continue. Users have experienced a decline in call quality since August, prompting a recommendation to switch to domestic messaging apps. Andrey Svintsov, a deputy chairman in the State Duma, anticipates a potential shutdown of WhatsApp in Russia within four to six months, attributing restrictions to the app's owners' unwillingness to cooperate with Russian authorities and concerns over data security.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Arattai gets flak for Tamil name; check out titles of 5 other global apps

Zoho has launched Arattai, a messaging app inspired by Indian culture, which has quickly gained 350,000 downloads within three days, surpassing WhatsApp in some app store categories. The name 'Arattai,' meaning 'banter' in Tamil, has sparked discussions about its suitability for a national audience, with critics citing difficulties in pronunciation and appeal, particularly for northern Indian speakers. Users have suggested that a name change may be necessary for broader acceptance, as the current name is seen as overly regional and not catchy. Entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa remarked on the app's usability but emphasized the need for a name that is easier to spell. Other messaging apps, such as Vietnam's Zalo and China's Baidu, have faced similar challenges with culturally specific names.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

Meet Max, Russia’s all-in-one app: From messages to spying on Russians

The Russian messaging application Max was first tested in March 2025 and is developed by Communication Platform LLC, a subsidiary of VK. It is marketed as a "national" and "unified" messenger, with significant promotion from the Kremlin. A law signed by President Vladimir Putin in June 2025 established Max as a state-owned entity, mandating its use in school chats and pre-installation on smartphones. Mobile operators are required to offer Max without consuming data traffic. Users in occupied Ukrainian territories are also required to install the app. Restrictions on other messaging services have been implemented, with security services limiting their functionalities. By mid-August 2025, Max had around 18 million users, but it has faced criticism for lacking end-to-end encryption and requesting excessive access to smartphone features. Users have reported performance issues and concerns over surveillance by the Russian government. The Kremlin has acknowledged monitoring through Max, and the app is compared to China's WeChat. Putin has ordered increased control over foreign messaging applications, aiming to restrict the use of foreign software by September 2025.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Confusion as Nepal bans unregistered social media sites

The Nepalese government announced a shutdown of 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, following a Cabinet decision that mandated all social media operators register within a week. The shutdown is based on a directive from the Ministry of Communication and a Supreme Court ruling that required social media platforms to register and comply with local regulations. Many users expressed their frustration on social media, and there was a significant increase in downloads of alternative messaging apps like Viber. The government stated that discussions with social media companies had not led to compliance, prompting the decision to block these platforms. Digital rights advocates criticized the government's approach, suggesting that regulatory frameworks should be pursued through parliamentary legislation instead. Social media accounts for nearly 80 percent of total internet traffic in Nepal, with 13.5 million active Facebook users. The sudden ban has raised concerns among small business owners who rely on these platforms for marketing. Previous platform bans in Nepal have seen reversals, indicating a pattern of temporary shutdowns.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

5 apps you should use instead of Messenger

Messenger is popular in the U.S. but criticized for lacking default end-to-end encryption in group chats, allowing Meta access to messages. WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app globally, offering default end-to-end encryption and a user-friendly interface. Signal prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for all communications and minimal data collection, funded by user donations. Viber provides end-to-end encryption but faces concerns about data privacy due to ownership and increased advertisements. Google Messages uses RCS technology for enhanced communication but relies on carrier support for full functionality. Telegram offers community features and allows Secret Chats for privacy, but lacks default end-to-end encryption. Users face challenges when switching messaging platforms, often due to the need for mutual contacts.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

What is MAX, the state-owned app Russia’s Vladimir Putin is trying to replace WhatsApp with?

Russia has mandated that all government officials transition to the Max app by September 1 as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on foreign messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. The ban on WhatsApp is anticipated as officials prepare for the rollout of the state-developed Max app by VK Company, which has extensive access to users' personal data and operates under close government oversight. The legislation also prohibits apps from countries that have sanctioned Russia, indicating an effort to bolster national security in digital communications. Additionally, restrictions on software and services from "unfriendly countries" are being proposed, along with fines for accessing online content deemed extremist.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Urgent money requests on messaging apps? Stay alart!

Ensuring safety in the digital realm involves protecting one's entire online presence, especially from breaches of smartphone applications like social media and messaging platforms. Such breaches can lead to fraudulent activities, where scammers impersonate individuals to request money from their contacts. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of urgent financial requests received through messaging apps before taking action. Individuals should exercise caution when sharing personal information online, particularly in messaging groups where information can spread quickly. A real-life example involves a university student whose messaging app was compromised, leading to fraudulent money requests sent to his contacts. To stay safe, individuals should verify requests through different channels, be wary of unusual payment methods, scrutinize messages for odd language, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share personal or banking details. They should also be aware that requests may originate from compromised accounts and report suspicious messages to the app and authorities. Maintaining awareness and skepticism is essential to avoid falling victim to fraud.