Viber

Viber is a VoIP software for smartphones and desktop computers. The program allows free calling between Viber users over the Internet via wireless LAN or UMTS; There are also out -calls available in fixed or mobile networks. Unlike other VoIP providers such as Skype Viber does not require a user account, but uses the existing telephone numbers. Viber requires that the software is installed on both devices.

The service was founded by Talmon Marco. He was four years in the Israeli army and graduated from the University of Tel Aviv in computer science and management from.

Previously, network software has been licensed by the company SPIRIT DSP for the service. After their competitor Global IP Solutions acquired by Google Inc. and its software had been released as free software, Viber changed to this license-free software stack.

Viber has been taken over by the Japanese company Rakuten on 14 February 2014.

Costs

The use of Viber services when communicating with other Viber users is free, but it falls to the normal cost of Internet access. Out calls are chargeable (pre -paid cCredit ); the costs are not transparent, since they are not published on the website of Viber.

Privacy Policy

Viber is due to poor data protection in the criticism. Viber collects data in considerable amounts, which go far beyond the usual measure of other VoIP providers (eg Skype), both by users as well as non - users of the service. Many of these data are stored without the consent of and without the knowledge of the persons concerned in each case, in violation of European data protection law.

Viber keeps a low profile with details on the company. Thus, it is unclear where and, where appropriate, for what purpose the collected data will be stored or they get into whose hands.