As people turn to messaging apps and digital means of communication during the novel coronavirus pandemic, privacy is still at the forefront of users’ minds.

Viber – one of the world’s leading apps for free and easy communication, unveils the results of its global in-app voluntary poll in which approximately 340,000 people took part, revealing 77% of Viber users across the globe say digital privacy is very important for them.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to accelerate the digitization of many aspects of life, from education to work to healthcare, people are turning to apps and digital formats to stay connected to family members, friends, and colleagues. Rakuten Viber’s recent poll underscores that through the transformation, data privacy is still top of mind for its users.

Out of the regions participating in the survey; which included Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Vietnam is one of the most concerned with digital privacy, with 88% of respondents saying it’s very important— third rank in the total of the Asian countries participating.

Features with private communication and end-to-end encryption by default are most important to Vietnamese users. Out of five different options, 70% of respondents said that their top priority is making sure their conversations remain private. Furthermore, 76% of the respondents stated that they would switch their messaging app due to any privacy concerns. Which speaks by itself that users take privacy really seriously and it is vital for them.

Viber’s private calls and chats are end-to-end encrypted. No one can join or be invited to group chats without permission. In addition, Viber also offers another layer of privacy with its hidden chats feature, which can only be accessed with a PIN.

“This survey shows us and the rest of the world that privacy should never take a back seat to features in times of growing concern for surveillance of private communication for profit,” says Djamel Agaoua, Rakuten Viber CEO. “Because data privacy is top of mind for our users, it is also one of our main concerns, and we will continue to provide people across the globe a safe communication platform to host their conversations.”

About Rakuten Viber:

At Rakuten Viber, we connect people. No matter who they are, or where they are from. Our global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favorite brands and celebrities. We ensure our users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions.

Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Inc., a world leader in e-commerce and financial services. It is the official communication channel of FC Barcelona, and the official instant messaging and calling app partner of the Golden State Warriors.

Join Viber today and enjoy the world’s best communication experience.