Viber Brings ChatGPT to PH Users

Rakuten Viber has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT directly into its messaging platform, enabling users in the Philippines to access artificial intelligence-powered features without leaving the Viber app.

The move reflects the growing convergence of messaging platforms and generative AI as technology companies race to embed AI into everyday digital experiences.

Available free to Viber users on Android and iOS (subject to usage limits), the integration allows users to interact with ChatGPT through a dedicated chat, call on the AI assistant within conversations, summarize chats and links, edit images, translate messages, and refine written communications.

Dedicated ChatGPT chat that lets users ask questions, brainstorm ideas, or receive assistance without opening a separate application. No ChatGPT account is required to begin, although users may sign in or create one to access higher usage limits.@ChatGPT in conversations, allowing users to bring the AI assistant into private or group chats by simply tagging it. Only the message addressed to ChatGPT is shared with OpenAI, not the rest of the conversation.Image Remix, powered by ChatGPT Images, enabling users to transform or stylize photos directly within Viber chats using AI-generated edits and templates.Link Summary, which provides concise summaries of articles, blog posts, and documents shared in chats.Chat Summary, offering private AI-generated recaps of lengthy conversations to help users quickly catch up on discussions and action items.Polish Messages, which rewrites drafts for improved tone and clarity before sending.Translate Message, enabling real-time translation of messages to facilitate multilingual communication.

Desktop support for the AI-powered features is expected to roll out soon.

“We want to make everyday communication easier and more creative,” said Ofir Eyal, Chief Executive Officer of Rakuten Viber. “Partnering with OpenAI allows us to bring ChatGPT directly into an app people already use every day, helping users draft messages, remix images, or simply explore new ideas.”

Torben Severson, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development at OpenAI, said integrating ChatGPT into messaging platforms enables users to receive assistance in real time.

“Messaging is where so much of everyday life happens,” Severson said. “With ChatGPT in Viber, people can get helpful, creative support right in the moment—from finding the right words to catching up on busy chats or remixing a photo.”

The partnership signals another step in the mainstream adoption of generative AI, particularly within communication platforms. Rather than requiring users to switch between multiple applications, AI capabilities are increasingly being embedded into services already used for work, business collaboration, education, and personal communication.

For businesses and entrepreneurs, the tools could streamline customer communication, improve multilingual interactions, assist in drafting messages, and enhance productivity without requiring specialized AI expertise.

The rollout also aligns with Rakuten Group’s broader “Triple 20” initiative, which aims to leverage artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and enhance user experiences across its digital ecosystem.

Rakuten Viber said privacy remains central to the integration.

The company’s end-to-end encryption continues to protect core Viber services, including one-on-one calls and messages, group chats, private media sharing, and linked devices.

Before using ChatGPT-powered features, users must explicitly consent to OpenAI’s terms and privacy policies.

According to Rakuten Viber, only the specific text, image, or request submitted for an AI feature is transmitted securely to OpenAI for processing. The rest of a user’s conversation, along with account data, is not shared.

The company added that submitted data is retained only for a limited period, is not used to train OpenAI’s AI models, and remains subject to OpenAI’s usage and safety policies.

Users can access the new AI features by updating Viber to the latest version. Image Remix requires users to sign in to or create a free ChatGPT account, while the remaining AI-powered tools are available immediately without additional registration.