Viber adds 'disappearing message' feature on app

Viber has added a "disappearing message" feature to provide users with an added layer of privacy in their chats.

Users can give messages their own life span and set a timer when sending texts, photos, videos or other types of files for a few seconds, minutes, hours or even days.

Once the timer is up, the content completely disappears.

"We are proud to announce the disappearing messages feature launching in all 1-on-1 chats," Viber COO Ofir Eyal said in a press release. "This marks another step in our journey towards being the safest messaging platform in the world."

READ: Viber to launch COVID-19 chatbot for Philippines users

Recently, corporations in the United States and other countries have experienced more hacking as the world shifts to a work-from-home setting amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

To make a message disappear, simply tap the clock icon on the bottom of the chat and select the disappearance period of the message. Once you send it out and the person sees your message, the countdown automatically begins.

"Over time we became convinced that a similar measure of ensuring confidentiality, including sending a notification when the recipient takes a screenshot of the disappearing message, should be added to regular chats," said Eyal.

Although Viber messages are already encrypted, the messaging app has added more privacy features for its users throughout the years.

Aside from releasing a "delete message" feature in 2015, the app also rolled out a hidden and secret chats option in 2017. —Kaela Malig/MGP, GMA News