In the modern digital world, instant messaging apps have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. They allow us to stay connected with friends and family, share photos and videos, and chat in real-time no matter where we are in the world. Two of the most popular messaging apps today are Viber and Facebook Messenger, each with millions of users worldwide. But with all the privacy and security risks associated with online communication, an important question arises – which of these two apps is more secure and better at protecting user data?
Popularity and User Base
Both Viber and Messenger have gained immense popularity over the years. As of 2022, Viber has around 1 billion registered users worldwide. It is particularly popular in Europe and parts of Asia. Messenger has even more mind-boggling numbers – with over 1.3 billion monthly active users globally as of Q1 2022. While both have large global footprints, Messenger tends to be more widely used in North America.
In terms of market penetration, Messenger clearly wins – it piggybacks on Facebook’s gargantuan user base and almost everyone with a Facebook account already has access to Messenger. Viber, on the other hand, requires separate signup and has seen slower growth in North America amid stiff competition from iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger itself.
Encryption and Security Protocols
One of the most important aspects determining an app’s safety and security is the encryption standard it uses to protect chats and calls. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is universally considered the gold standard – it prevents anyone except the two conversing users, including the platform itself, from accessing the encryption keys needed to decrypt the conversation.
Viber uses end-to-end encryption for its Secret Chats feature, providing the highest level of security for 1-on-1 chats. Standard chats still use transport layer encryption to encrypt data in transit. Messenger also offers end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, but chats only have transport layer encryption. Neither app encrypts group chats, channels or statuses by default.
When it comes to encryption, Viber has a slight edge. Enabling E2EE by default for all 1-on-1 chats ensures even regular chats are locked down. Messenger only encrypts voice/video calls, leaving chats potentially exposed.
User Privacy
In addition to secure protocols, a messaging app also needs stringent policies and practices to protect user privacy. This includes limits on data collection, minimal access to user content, and comprehensive privacy configurations.
Viber’s privacy policy states that they do not access user conversations or messages. The app collects very limited user data – device info, contacts (if synced), usage info and any optionally provided data. Viber also has no ads tracking users across apps and websites.
Messenger’s privacy policy is much more expansive and states that user content and data may be used to improve their products and ads experience. Facebook’s ads trackers are also embedded across apps and websites. Critics argue Messenger’s privacy protections are weak compared to Viber.
Once again, Viber adopted the more privacy-conscious approach. Messenger’s wide data collection and tracking makes it less appealing for users cautious about their privacy.
Chat Backup and Cloud Storage
The ability to backup chats and media to the cloud can safeguard against data loss when switching devices. However, it also presents a potential security issue if the cloud storage is compromised.
Viber allows users to backup their chats and media to Google Drive or iCloud. The backups are encrypted with a user-specific key. Users must enter a PIN to restore from backup. No one else, including Viber, can decrypt a user’s chat backup without the PIN.
Facebook Messenger lack encrypted cloud backups. Your chat history is linked to your Facebook account and stored unencrypted on Facebook’s servers. Users must trust Facebook to keep their Messenger data secure.
Once again, Viber offers the more secure option. Its use of encrypted user-controlled backups prevents exposure of chat history if its cloud storage is ever breached.
Third-party App Integration
Messaging apps now offer rich third-party integrations for added functionality. But each additional app granted access also increases the attack surface.
Viber has minimal third-party integrations. Users can utilize some basic bots for news, polls, games and community chatbots built by Viber. But third-party app access to conversations is restricted.
Facebook Messenger supports extensive integrations with third-party apps via Messenger Platform. Developers can build bots and mini-programs that run within Messenger and access user data. Critics argue this increases risks of malicious apps extracting user data.
Viber’s limited integrations are more secure. Messenger’s open ecosystem comes with risks, as any compromised third-party app could be used to exploit users.
Account Protection
Robust account security and protection features prevent unauthorized access in case of a breach.
Viber requires user verification via SMS on signup. Two-step verification via passwords or fingerprint is supported. Users also get alerts about unrecognized logins and can remotely sign out all devices.
Messenger relies entirely on Facebook’s account protections. These include login approvals, two-factor authentication and alerts for unrecognized logins. But compromising the Facebook account directly opens access to Messenger.
Viber offers slightly stronger defenses. SMS verification prevents malicious signups, and two-factor authentication is mandatory. Messenger depends wholly on Facebook account security.
Group Chat Capabilities
Group chats on messaging apps are not encrypted by default, but some platforms now offer E2EE protection for groups.
Viber does not offer default E2EE for groups. It uses the RIPT protocol to provide some protection against man-in-the-middle attacks during group chats.
Facebook Messenger has no default encryption for groups. But users can enable E2EE for Secret Conversations in groups up to 10 members. All participants must have Secret Conversations enabled.
Messenger has a slight edge for security-conscious group chatting by permitting opt-in E2EE. Viber only uses transport encryption for slightly better protection against MITM attacks.
Security Track Record
The security track record and breaches suffered by a messaging provider are good indicators of overall security standards.
Viber has a clean security track record with no major vulnerabilities reported or user data exposed. Its systems have never been implicated in any massive hacks or breaches.
Facebook’s Messenger has not had any direct breaches. But multiple incidents have impacted its parent platform Facebook, including data of over 500 million users exposed in 2019 and 2021.
Once again, Viber edges out Messenger. Facebook’s frequent controversies and incidents indirectly undermine confidence in Messenger’s security protections as well.
Government Surveillance
Government demands for user data and surveillance are a reality for tech platforms today. The degree of transparency around such requests determines user awareness.
As an Israel-based company focused on security, Viber has taken a strong stance against government surveillance. They pledge to only hand data over when legally compelled after exhausting all appeals.
Facebook is more amenable to government requests. They have a dedicated portal for law enforcement to submit data requests, which are often granted. The exact volume is not disclosed.
Viber’s principled stand on surveillance instills more confidence. Facebook is suspected of enabling greater degrees of government monitoring.
Winner: Viber
In summary, Viber emerges as the safer instant messaging application overall thanks to:
- Default end-to-end encryption for all 1-on-1 Viber chats via Secret Chats.
- Minimal data collection, strong privacy configurations and no ad tracking.
- Encrypted chat backups to the cloud locked with user PINs.
- Limited third-party integrations reducing attack surface.
- Mandatory two-factor authentication for all users.
- No major security incidents reported to date.
- Firm stance against government surveillance requests.
Facebook Messenger falters in comparison due to:
- Lack of default E2EE outside of Secret Conversations and voice/video calls.
- Heavy data collection and tracking for ad targeting.
- Unencrypted chat backups on Facebook servers.
- Open ecosystem increasing risks via third-party integrations.
- Overdependence on Facebook account security measures.
- Facebook’s long history of breaches and controversies.
- Cooperative stance on granting government access to user data.
While both apps implement security basics like transport encryption, Viber goes further with leading protocols like end-to-end encryption and added privacy protections. Power users concerned about privacy would be better off choosing Viber over Messenger.
However, Messenger still remains an easy default choice for most mainstream users. The convenience of seamless integration with Facebook makes up for its security limitations. But privacy-conscious users uncomfortable with Facebook’s data practices may want to explore more secure alternatives like Viber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viber or Messenger more private?
Viber is widely considered more private than Messenger. It has extensive default encryption, requires minimal user data, and has no ad tracking. Messenger’s data collection, unencrypted backups and open app ecosystem raise more privacy concerns.
Which app uses more encryption?
Viber uses more end-to-end encryption. It enables E2EE by default for all one-on-one Secret Chats. Messenger only has optional E2EE for Secret Conversations and voice/video calls. Standard chats have no default E2EE.
Can police view Viber messages?
Viber uses end-to-end encryption for its Secret Chats, making it impossible for police to view message contents. However, they can view metadata like timestamps and identify subscribers. Some non-Secret chats may also be accessible if legally compelled.
Is Viber owned by Facebook?
No, Viber is not owned by Facebook. It was created by Viber Media, an Israel-based company focused on security. In 2014, it was bought by Japanese company Rakuten. Facebook Messenger is owned by Facebook.
Is Viber safe for kids?
Viber allows communication with strangers so children could still be exposed to risks like cyberbullying or inappropriate content. Parents are advised to educate kids on proper online safety practices. Turning on Secret Chats provides more privacy.
Can Viber be hacked?
Like all software, Viber is theoretically vulnerable to hacking. But its security features like end-to-end encryption, anonymized metadata and self-destructing messages make it very difficult to hack or compromise user communications.
The Bottom Line
Viber is the safer choice for the privacy conscious. Its extensive encryption, minimal data collection, and strict access controls provide robust protection for chats, calls and user information. While Facebook Messenger is more widely used, Viber is a viable alternative for those wary of Facebook’s security record and data practices.