Viber Archives

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Telegram Block in India Sparks Surge in Demand for VPNs and Alternative Messengers

The Indian government has temporarily restricted access to the Telegram messaging platform, leading to a significant increase in demand for VPN services and alternative communication applications. On the day the restriction was implemented, VPN app downloads in India reached a record high since the start of 2025, with daily downloads rising by 49% from an average of 139,000 to 208,000. Proton VPN saw a 113% increase in downloads on the Apple App Store and a 64% rise on Google Play, while Windscribe reported an 89% increase in downloads. Additionally, downloads of the Signal app surged by 322% on Google Play and by 72% in the App Store, and Viber downloads increased by 216%. The government's decision to restrict Telegram was made to combat fraudulent activities related to the NEET entrance exam.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

This messaging app wins on every front, except the one that matters

WhatsApp has approximately three billion monthly users, while Viber has over 200 million. In a recent poll, user preferences for messaging apps were as follows: WhatsApp (31%), Signal (40%), Viber (3%), Facebook Messenger (4%), Telegram (11%), and something else (11%). Signal has an estimated user base of 40 to 100 million monthly active users. Signal offers end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection, unlike WhatsApp and Viber, which track user interactions and device information. WhatsApp uses Signal's encryption protocol.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Meta Is Shutting Down Messenger.com—Here’s What Users Need to Know

Meta will phase out Messenger.com as a standalone messaging service in April 2026, and the Messenger desktop application will also be discontinued. Users will be redirected to facebook.com/messages to access their conversations. The Messenger mobile app will remain operational, allowing users to continue messaging on mobile devices, and those without a Facebook account can still use the app and retain their chat history. Users can restore chat history across platforms using a PIN.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Meta Is Shutting Down Messenger.com—Here’s What Users Need to Know

Meta will phase out Messenger.com as a standalone platform starting in April 2026, along with the Messenger desktop app. Conversations will be redirected to facebook.com/messages, allowing users to continue messaging through Facebook’s main interface. The Messenger mobile app will remain operational, and users without Facebook accounts can still use it. Chat history can be restored using a PIN. This shift appears to be part of a trend to consolidate platforms and streamline services.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

WhatsApp says Russia has tried to fully block the messaging app

Russia has moved to block WhatsApp entirely within its borders, aiming to redirect users to MAX, a state-supported messaging application criticized for its potential surveillance capabilities. This action is part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to tighten control over digital communication, following previous restrictions on major social media platforms and other messaging services like Signal and Viber. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that WhatsApp could be unblocked if it complies with Russian law. The government is also planning new restrictions on Telegram, which has been vital for military communications in Ukraine. MAX, the promoted national messaging app, lacks end-to-end encryption and is designed to share user data with authorities.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Russia: “Slowing down” of Telegram messaging app another blow for freedom of expression

Russian authorities imposed significant slowdowns on the Telegram messenger service, prompting concerns from Marie Struthers, Amnesty International's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director. She argued that these actions restrict free communication rather than protect against online crime. Struthers noted a trend of increased state control over online communications in Russia, leading users to seek circumvention tools or less secure alternatives. On February 10, restrictions on access to Telegram were initiated by Roskomnadzor, resulting in widespread disruptions. In August 2025, Roskomnadzor limited voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp due to their alleged use in criminal activities, followed by partial restrictions on these platforms. Other messaging services, such as Signal and Viber, have also been blocked. Additionally, Russian authorities promoted the domestically developed MAX messenger, raising concerns among human rights groups regarding its security and privacy.

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.