Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.The feature, which was introduced in 2023, ensured that only the sender and receiver could read messages. With its removal, chats may now be accessible under certain conditions, depending on how systems are used to monitor content.&nbsp;<h2>What changes for Instagram users</h2>With end-to-end encryption removed, Instagram users will notice a change in how their messages are handled.Earlier, encrypted chats meant:Messages could not be accessed by third partiesOnly users involved in the chat could read themNow, messages may be:Analysed for safety purposesAccessible through technical systems if requiredMeta had earlier informed users about this update and provided an option to download or back up chats before the change took effect.<h2>Why Meta is making this move</h2>One of the key reasons behind the change is linked to user safety, especially concerns around harmful content.Reports suggest that removing encryption allows platforms to: Detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) Identify grooming behaviour Flag harassment or illegal contentThe move follows increasing global pressure on tech companies to improve safety measures on messaging platforms.<h2>Legal and regulatory pressure</h2>Governments in several regions, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, have been pushing for stronger monitoring of online platforms.Regulations such as:The UK’s Online Safety ActProposed EU Chat Control rules are aimed at ensuring companies can detect harmful content, even within private communications. Earlier this year, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million, citing concerns about platform safety and user protection.<h2>Privacy concerns and debate</h2>While the change may help detect harmful activity, it has also raised concerns among privacy advocates.Experts argue that:Removing encryption may reduce user privacyMessages could become more vulnerable to misuseTrust in private communication may be affectedThis creates a balance issue between ensuring safety and protecting personal data.<h2>What happens next</h2>Meta has not confirmed whether similar changes will be applied to other platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. For now, the update applies only to Instagram, but it signals a broader shift in how tech companies may handle private messaging in the future. As regulations continue to evolve, platforms may increasingly adjust their systems to meet safety requirements while managing user expectations around privacy.

Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.

Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform. The feature, which was introduced in 2023, ensured that only the sender and receiver could read messages. With its removal, chats may now be accessible under certain conditions, depending on how systems are used to monitor content. What changes for Instagram users With end-to-end encryption removed, Instagram users will notice a change in how their messages are handled. Earlier, encrypted chats meant: Messages could not be accessed by third parties Only users involved in the chat could read them Now, messages may be: Analysed for safety purposes Accessible through technical systems if required Meta had earlier informed users about this update and provided an option to download or back up chats before the change took effect. Why Meta is making this move One of the key reasons behind the change is linked to user safety, especially concerns around harmful content. Reports suggest that removing encryption allows platforms to: Detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM) Identify grooming behaviour Flag harassment or illegal content The move follows increasing global pressure on tech companies to improve safety measures on messaging platforms. Legal and regulatory pressure Governments in several regions, including the United States, United Kingdom and European Union, have been pushing for stronger monitoring of online platforms. Regulations such as: The UK’s Online Safety Act Proposed EU Chat Control rules are aimed at ensuring companies can detect harmful content, even within private communications. Earlier this year, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375 million, citing concerns about platform safety and user protection. Privacy concerns and debate While the change may help detect harmful activity, it has also raised concerns among privacy advocates. Experts argue that: Removing encryption may reduce user privacy Messages could become more vulnerable to misuse Trust in private communication may be affected This creates a balance issue between ensuring safety and protecting personal data. What happens next Meta has not confirmed whether similar changes will be applied to other platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. For now, the update applies only to Instagram, but it signals a broader shift in how tech companies may handle private messaging in the future. As regulations continue to evolve, platforms may increasingly adjust their systems to meet safety requirements while managing user expectations around privacy.

Meta has ended end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram from May 8, 2026. This means that messages sent through Instagram DMs are no longer fully private, marking a significant change in how users communicate on the platform.

‘Your DM chats are no longer private’: Instagram removes end-to-end encryption from messages

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta Platforms will now start fully encrypting messages on its social media platforms by default.

Announcing the launch, Loredana Crisan, Head of Messenger on the Meta website said, "We take our responsibility to protect your messages seriously, and we’re thrilled that after years of investment and testing, we’re able to launch a safer, more secure and private service."

<h2>Here's what to expect from Meta's new update</h2>

From this week onwards, the social media giant&nbsp;will begin automatically shifting Facebook users to end-to-end encryption for their messages. The global rollout, she said, will "take a number of months to complete".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancestry-website-23andme-confirms-recent-data-breach-affected-69-million-users-666347">Ancestry website 23andMe confirms recent data breach affected 6.9 million users&nbsp;</a>

Facebook Messenger had the option for users to turn on end-to-end encryption since 2016. However, now this will be the default setting for both calls and messages.

On Instagram, too, users will be shifted to Meta's new end-to-end encryption by default.

<h2>What is end-to-end encryption?</h2>

The encryption feature secures communication, making it so that messages etc. can only be read by the sender and the recipient. This can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals.

Users will be prompted to set up a PIN for the recovery of the encrypted messages in case they lose, change or add a device.

Meta's product WhatsApp, another popular instant messaging app, introduced the feature back in 2014, completing the rollout in April 2016.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/landmark-stability-ai-vs-getty-images-copyright-lawsuit-to-move-ahead-to-trial-666377">Landmark Stability AI vs Getty Images copyright lawsuit to move ahead to trial</a>

Crisan says that Meta "has taken years to deliver because we've taken our time to get this right."

"Our engineers, cryptographers, designers, policy experts and product managers have worked tirelessly to rebuild Messenger features from the ground up. We’ve introduced new privacy, safety and control features along the way like delivery controls that let people choose who can message them, as well as app lock, alongside existing safety features like report, block and message requests," she added.

The change means that Facebook and Instagram users would not have to turn on the encryption feature, which allows a message to be read only by the sender and its recipients.

<h2>What other features have been introduced?</h2>

Messenger users can now edit their messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them. Disappearing messages on the application will now last for 24 hours.

Furthermore, to increase privacy controls, Messenger will now allow users to control their read receipts. Additionally, there is an upgrade to the quality of images users can share, along with the introduction of "added fun layouts".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-launches-gemini-its-most-advanced-ai-model-that-powers-bard-intensifying-competition-with-openai-666952">Google launches Gemini, its most advanced AI model that powers Bard, intensifying competition with OpenAI</a>

Another feature similar to that available in WhatsApp is that voice messages can now be sped up to 1.5x and 2x speeds.&nbsp;

End-to-end encryption has been a bone of contention between companies and governments. The British government had urged Meta back in September not to roll out encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures to protect children from sexual abuse.

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta Platforms will now start fully encrypting messages on its social media platforms by default. Announcing the launch, Loredana Crisan, Head of Messenger on the Meta website said, "We take our responsibility to protect your messages seriously, and we’re thrilled that after years of investment and testing, we’re able to launch a safer, more secure and private service.

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta Platforms will now start fully encrypting messages on its social media platforms by default. Announcing the launch, Loredana Crisan, Head of Messenger on the Meta website said, "We take our responsibility to protect your messages seriously, and we’re thrilled that after years of investment and testing, we’re able to launch a safer, more secure and private service." Here's what to expect from Meta's new update From this week onwards, the social media giant will begin automatically shifting Facebook users to end-to-end encryption for their messages. The global rollout, she said, will "take a number of months to complete". Also read | Ancestry website 23andMe confirms recent data breach affected 6.9 million users Facebook Messenger had the option for users to turn on end-to-end encryption since 2016. However, now this will be the default setting for both calls and messages. On Instagram, too, users will be shifted to Meta's new end-to-end encryption by default. What is end-to-end encryption? The encryption feature secures communication, making it so that messages etc. can only be read by the sender and the recipient. This can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals. Users will be prompted to set up a PIN for the recovery of the encrypted messages in case they lose, change or add a device. Meta's product WhatsApp, another popular instant messaging app, introduced the feature back in 2014, completing the rollout in April 2016. Also read | Landmark Stability AI vs Getty Images copyright lawsuit to move ahead to trial Crisan says that Meta "has taken years to deliver because we've taken our time to get this right." "Our engineers, cryptographers, designers, policy experts and product managers have worked tirelessly to rebuild Messenger features from the ground up. We’ve introduced new privacy, safety and control features along the way like delivery controls that let people choose who can message them, as well as app lock, alongside existing safety features like report, block and message requests," she added. The change means that Facebook and Instagram users would not have to turn on the encryption feature, which allows a message to be read only by the sender and its recipients. What other features have been introduced? Messenger users can now edit their messages for up to 15 minutes after sending them. Disappearing messages on the application will now last for 24 hours. Furthermore, to increase privacy controls, Messenger will now allow users to control their read receipts. Additionally, there is an upgrade to the quality of images users can share, along with the introduction of "added fun layouts". Also read | Google launches Gemini, its most advanced AI model that powers Bard, intensifying competition with OpenAI Another feature similar to that available in WhatsApp is that voice messages can now be sped up to 1.5x and 2x speeds. End-to-end encryption has been a bone of contention between companies and governments. The British government had urged Meta back in September not to roll out encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures to protect children from sexual abuse.

'Taken our time to get this right': Meta to roll out end-to-end encryption for Facebook & Instagram

Tech firms and social media players are coming under increasing pressure over extremists using their websites, applications and technology to communicate extremist content. This time it&rsquo;s WhatsApp and its encryption technology that the British government is eyeing after the Westminster attack on Wednesday. This is because Khalid Masood, the 52-year-old Briton who killed four people in a rampage in Westminster before being shot dead, reportedly used WhatsApp moments before the assault.

Now the British government believes that its security services must have access to encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp, as it was found that the service was used by the man behind the parliament attack.

&quot;You can&#39;t have&nbsp;a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other - where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message - and it can&#39;t be accessed,&quot; said Amber Rudd home secretary of the United Kingdom.

&quot;We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp - and there are plenty of others like that - don&#39;t provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other,&rdquo; she added.

While WhatsApp is working with British authorities investigating the Westminster attack, it is not specified whether it would change its policy on encrypted messaging.

But before we hear more from WhatsApp on the same, let&rsquo;s understand what is end-to-end encryption and how it works.

End-to-end encryption

A lot of messaging apps such as Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, Line, Signal, Viber, and Telegram come with an encryption technology, but the usage differs from app to app. The idea behind-end-to-end encryption is to prevent snooping on digital conversations. In other words, end-to-end encryption is vital to cyber security.

End-to-end encryption (say, in case of WhatsApp) secures your messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, status updates and calls and prevents them from falling into wrong hands.

Facebook Messenger uses the same encryption technology as WhatsApp. While WhatsApp messages (in entirety) are encrypted by default, Facebook Messenger users must turn on the feature to get the extra additional security protection. Messenger users, however, cannot send videos or make payments in encrypted conversations.

Apple&rsquo;s iMessage, on the other hand, is also end-to-end encrypted by default between iPhones. But this end-to-end encryption doesn&rsquo;t work if the communication is happening between an iPhone and a non-iPhone device. Because in such a case, iMessage responds to unencrypted messages.

Another popular messaging app Telegram doesn&rsquo;t offer end-to-end encryption for chats by default. Users, however, have a Secret Chats option to have one-on-one chats wherein messages are encrypted.

Authorities vs tech titans

It&rsquo;s not the first time that a tech company has come under the radar of government authorities. US authorities last year fought a legal battle with tech giant Apple to get it to unlock a smartphone used by one of the shooters in a terror attack last year in San Bernadino, California. The FBI&#39;s own experts, however, ended up breaking into the device.

Social media giants are also coming under pressure over extremist content being posted on their sites. Germany this month proposed imposing fines on social networks such as Facebook if they fail to remove illegal hate speech from their sites.

Google, meanwhile, has faced a boycott by companies whose adverts appeared alongside extremist content on its internet platforms, particularly its video-sharing site YouTube.

(WION)

The British government believes that its security services must have access to encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp

Tech firms and social media players are coming under increasing pressure over extremists using their websites, applications and technology to communicate extremist content. This time it’s WhatsApp and its encryption technology that the British government is eyeing after the Westminster attack on Wednesday. This is because Khalid Masood, the 52-year-old Briton who killed four people in a rampage in Westminster before being shot dead, reportedly used WhatsApp moments before the assault. Now the British government believes that its security services must have access to encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp, as it was found that the service was used by the man behind the parliament attack. "You can't have a situation where you have terrorists talking to each other - where this terrorist sent a WhatsApp message - and it can't be accessed," said Amber Rudd home secretary of the United Kingdom. "We need to make sure that organisations like WhatsApp - and there are plenty of others like that - don't provide a secret place for terrorists to communicate with each other,” she added. While WhatsApp is working with British authorities investigating the Westminster attack, it is not specified whether it would change its policy on encrypted messaging. But before we hear more from WhatsApp on the same, let’s understand what is end-to-end encryption and how it works. End-to-end encryption A lot of messaging apps such as Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, Line, Signal, Viber, and Telegram come with an encryption technology, but the usage differs from app to app. The idea behind-end-to-end encryption is to prevent snooping on digital conversations. In other words, end-to-end encryption is vital to cyber security. End-to-end encryption (say, in case of WhatsApp) secures your messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, status updates and calls and prevents them from falling into wrong hands. Facebook Messenger uses the same encryption technology as WhatsApp. While WhatsApp messages (in entirety) are encrypted by default, Facebook Messenger users must turn on the feature to get the extra additional security protection. Messenger users, however, cannot send videos or make payments in encrypted conversations. Apple’s iMessage, on the other hand, is also end-to-end encrypted by default between iPhones. But this end-to-end encryption doesn’t work if the communication is happening between an iPhone and a non-iPhone device. Because in such a case, iMessage responds to unencrypted messages. Another popular messaging app Telegram doesn’t offer end-to-end encryption for chats by default. Users, however, have a Secret Chats option to have one-on-one chats wherein messages are encrypted. Authorities vs tech titans It’s not the first time that a tech company has come under the radar of government authorities. US authorities last year fought a legal battle with tech giant Apple to get it to unlock a smartphone used by one of the shooters in a terror attack last year in San Bernadino, California. The FBI's own experts, however, ended up breaking into the device. Social media giants are also coming under pressure over extremist content being posted on their sites. Germany this month proposed imposing fines on social networks such as Facebook if they fail to remove illegal hate speech from their sites. Google, meanwhile, has faced a boycott by companies whose adverts appeared alongside extremist content on its internet platforms, particularly its video-sharing site YouTube. (WION)

London terror attack: Are WhatsApp, other apps offering terrorists a secret place for communication?