Meta to Remove End-to-End Encryption from Instagram Direct Messages

Meta Platforms is discontinuing the ‘end-to-end encryption’ feature for Direct Messages (DM) on its photo and video-sharing platform Instagram. The company has confirmed that the service will no longer be available from 8 May. Users will be shown instructions within the app on how to store their messages and media from chats, according to a report by 9to5Google.

Meta said the feature is being removed because only a small number of users utilized it. A company spokesperson told The Verge, “Very few people used end-to-end encryption in DMs, so we are removing this option from Instagram in the coming months. Those who want encryption can easily find it on WhatsApp.”

Meta introduced the feature on Instagram in 2023. However, since it was not enabled by default, users had to activate it separately through the settings. In contrast, end-to-end encryption is enabled by default on WhatsApp.

Analysts also view global legal and policy pressures as another reason behind the decision, in addition to its low usage. Encryption technology has faced criticism for potentially hindering child protection efforts and law enforcement investigations. A lawsuit by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office revealed internal Meta documents indicating that senior executives had warned that strong encryption could reduce the company’s ability to detect and report information related to child abuse.

Meanwhile, TikTok has clearly stated that it will not introduce end-to-end encryption, citing concerns that it would make it more difficult to identify harmful content. Amid this ongoing debate, the European Commission is preparing a roadmap on encryption technology this year, aiming to strike a balance between personal privacy and legal requirements.

DBTech/BMT/OR