Protect yourself and your privacy on Rakuten Viber
As a valued user of Rakuten Viber, it is important for us to protect you and your privacy.
This article explains the various technologies that we use to protect your private information and what you can do to stay safe on our platform.
Chats
End-to-end encryption
Summary
- We use end-to-end encryption technology for all your 1-on-1 and group chats
- 1-on-1 and group messages are deleted off our servers as soon as they are delivered
- We won’t sell your conversations to third parties (because we can’t see them!)
Read more
Private messages
Summary
- You can edit or delete your messages (for everyone) at any time
- Add a timer to your messages so that they auto-delete, with the disappearing messages feature
- You will be notified if a screenshot of a disappearing message was taken
- Hide your chats from your main chat screen
- Hidden chats are password protected
Read more
Groups
Summary
- Update your settings to allow only your contacts to add you to groups
Read more
Channels and communities
Summary
- Other members can’t see your phone number
- Admins can use an alias to protect their identity
- Admins can ban members that don’t obey the rules or are deemed dangerous
- Admins can change the invite link at any time if they lose track of it
Read more
Block users
Summary
- You can block anyone on Rakuten Viber from contacting you
- Once blocked, the user won’t see your ‘online’ status or be able to add you to a group
- You can unblock anyone on your blocklist at any time
Read more
Spam and fraud
Summary
- We use numerous technologies to detect spammers and fraudsters
- Users suspected of spamming and fraud will be blocked
- Calls from phone numbers not saved in your contact list can be automatically silenced (available only on Android)
- You can block and report anyone that you suspect of being a spammer or fraudster
- Turn on the auto spam check to allow us to scan messages, sent from people not in your contact list, for malicious content
Read more
Settings
2-step verification
Summary
- Make sure that only you can make changes to your Rakuten Viber account by setting up a PIN
- Your PIN will also be required when activating Rakuten Viber on a different phone, so no one will be able to steal your account unless they know your PIN
- If your PIN is entered incorrectly, certain parts of your account will be blocked
Read more
Lock screen
Summary
- Rakuten Viber on your desktop can be locked: the chat screen won’t be available and notifications won’t be shown
- To unlock, you will need to enter a password
Read more
Profile settings
Summary
Control what information other Rakuten Viber users can see about you, including:
- Your ‘online’ status
- Message ‘seen’ status
- Your profile photo
- Your birthday (contacts will be notified on your birthday)
To change settings:
- Open Rakuten Viber on your phone
- Tap on More
- Tap on Settings
- Tap on Privacy
- Update your preferences
Read more
Permissions
Summary
- We need access to certain parts of your phone’s operating system so that Rakuten Viber can work, i.e., the ‘microphone’ for you to make calls
- You can change the permissions at any time
Read more
Data
Summary
- Our servers can see your Rakuten Viber name, phone number, device and activity information. They can also see any information that you opted to provide us with, such as your profile picture, contacts list, precise location, financial information etc. (as per our Privacy Policy)
- You can review and delete your data file at any time
Read more
Ads
Summary
- To help keep Rakuten Viber free, we will show you ads
- Ads are based on the limited information we collect about you, such as your location and the communities/channels you joined
- We also use several tracking technologies that help us show you relevant and interesting content
Read more
Minors
Summary
- Users under 16 will not be shown content (such as ads and stickers) intended for a mature audience
- Minors can’t change privacy settings that automatically block content personalization and data collection
- If you see a Community or Channel that contains inappropriate/illegal content regarding minors, report them to us so that we can take action
Read more
Deactivate account
Summary
- If you lost your phone but still have your SIM card, download Rakuten Viber on your new phone with the same phone number to deactivate Rakuten Viber on your old phone
- Rakuten Viber on your desktop can be deactivated either from your desktop or remotely, using your phone
- Deactivate your Rakuten Viber account to delete your data from our servers and permanently close your account
Read more