Rumors of Paid Viber: What’s Really Happening

Users of Viber have started receiving messages claiming that the messenger will become paid starting next Saturday. This information is false, as reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation via Telegram.

«Users are receiving messages stating that «next Saturday Viber will become paid». The text urges recipients to «forward this message to 10 contacts to keep the messenger free», and adds that «the logo will turn blue». This is an old hoax that has been circulating online since at least 2018. Its wording has reappeared in new waves of distribution. The message lacks any specific dates, official sources, or confirmations from Viber. Phrases like «next Saturday» without a date are included to simulate urgency», the statement reads.

It is noted that no messenger (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) will become paid without an official announcement from the company. This message contradicts logic: Viber cannot automatically charge fees if the user has not provided their payment information.

The Center for Countering Disinformation states that such distributions serve as a kind of «trust test». The collected data may be used to prepare misinformation campaigns or phishing attacks.