Viber brings ChatGPT into its messaging app

Rakuten Viber has launched ChatGPT-powered tools inside its messaging app through a new partnership with OpenAI.

The integration allows users to ask questions in a dedicated ChatGPT chat or tab, mention @ChatGPT in supported private and group chats, summarise conversations and shared links, polish draft messages, translate messages and remix images.

Viber said most tools are available after users update the app, without requiring ChatGPT registration.

Image Remix requires users to log in to ChatGPT within Viber or create a free account. OpenAI says availability may vary by region, app version, account and chat type.

The privacy model depends on the feature used. Viber says its core messaging features remain protected by end-to-end encryption, while ChatGPT-powered tools are activated only when users choose to use them.

When a ChatGPT-powered feature is used, Viber sends OpenAI the information needed to process that request. Depending on the feature, that may include selected messages, drafts, images, prompts, link content, messages that mention @ChatGPT, timestamps, approximate location and a Viber-generated hashed user ID.

OpenAI says data sent from ChatGPT-powered features in Viber personal and group chats is not used to train its models, except for conversations in the ChatGPT tab.

If a user connects a ChatGPT account, activity may be associated with that account and handled under OpenAI’s standard retention and data settings.

Why does it matter?

The launch brings generative AI into everyday messaging, moving ChatGPT from a separate assistant into conversations, links, drafts, translations and images. That makes AI tools more accessible, but also creates a more complex privacy model. Users need to understand when messages remain inside an end-to-end encrypted chat and when selected content is sent to OpenAI for processing. For messaging platforms, the key governance challenge is adding useful AI features while preserving user control, clear consent and transparent data handling.

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