Viber introduces end-to-end encryption after WhatsApp and Telegram

    The messenger adds “hidden chats” for private communication.


    Photo: Techcrunch

    The latest version of the Viber messenger has the function of full encryption of messages and video users on all types of devices. Encryption is introduced for group chats. To enable it, you need to go through the re-authentication procedure using a QR code. Also added "hidden chats." “Hidden chats” allow the messenger users to hide selected dialogs from the screen. Channels with such correspondence will be available only after the user enters a four-digit PIN code.

    New features added for Android, iOS, PC and Mac versions of the program (the version where encryption works should be at least 6.0). According to the messenger developers, updates will gradually become available to all users of the latest version of the program in the next few weeks.

    Introducing end-to-end encryption with Viber messenger is quite a logical move. WhatsApp , Telegram, ICQ has already introduced full encryption for the data of its users. They are working on a similar task of the team and other instant messengers and social services.

    COO Viber Mikhail Shmilov said that his company had been working on the implementation of this function “for several years”. Now the correspondence of users can not be issued at the request of law enforcement agencies for two reasons. First, this data is not stored on the company's servers. Secondly, the information is encrypted on users' devices.

    At the moment, the application has 711 million users.

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