What happened
Rakuten Viber is launching a new AI-powered feature that lets users edit text before sending — directly in the input field. The button to the right of the typing line opens an action menu: improve wording, make the tone more formal or friendly, and translate the message into another language. The service generates an alternative version that can be sent immediately or reprocessed. The announcement was reported by LIGA.net, citing the company’s press service.
How it works and what it's based on
Viber notes that the new option runs on OpenAI models. That means users will get modern algorithms for style correction and translation, but it also raises questions about data control and transparency. The company assures that messages are not used to train models and are deleted after processing; the privacy policy remains unchanged. The option will be rolled out to users in Ukraine in the coming days.
"Messages are not used to train AI and are deleted after processing."
— Rakuten Viber (press service)
Context: what this means for Ukraine
First, the tool will speed up communication: from business letters to urgent messages — fewer mistakes and a clearer tone. Second, automatic translations simplify communication with the diaspora and partners. Third, in a time of information tension, not only speed but also data control matters — so declarations that messages are not used to train models should be carefully scrutinized by experts and users.
What to watch
Viber recently added a marketplace for finding services and its own AI assistant to the app — steps toward expanding its ecosystem. With proper regulation and transparency, such tools can increase business efficiency and help in everyday life. At the same time, it is important to demand external audits and clear guarantees about data processing so the technology works for citizens rather than creating new risks.
Conclusion: the feature makes communication on Viber more convenient and potentially useful for economic and civic communication in Ukraine. The next step is to verify privacy promises in practice and demand transparent control mechanisms from companies.
