Facing Account Suspensions on Telegram, ISIS Media Outlet Tries Viber

The MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Studies Project (JTTM) released a new report on the ISIS Nashir News Agency opening an account on the Viber application following a wave of account suspensions on Telegram, in an attempt to maintain the flow of Islamic State (ISIS) information to its consumers. The Viber messaging app, which offers services similar to Telegram, has added new encryption protocols which allegedly increase communication security. Until now, it has not been used as a major communication tool by jihadi groups and supporters.

The content of the new Nashir News channel on Viber is identical to the content shared on its Telegram channels. The Nashir News Telegram channels advertised the new Viber group, and the announcement was also shared on several pro-ISIS chat groups.

Middle East Media Research Institute - JTTM

Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, and Turkish media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends. Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is located in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish and Hebrew.

See Full Bio