End-to-end encryption is now available for Messenger voice and video calls, as well as Instagram’s direct messages (DMs). By enabling the feature, users will be able to communicate in a safe manner, whether through phone calls or text messages.
More Facebook Services Get End-to-End Encryption
Facebook is beefing up security on Messenger and Instagram, according to a post on Messenger News. Facebook began delivering encrypted messaging on Messenger in 2016, and now voice and video calls are protected in the same way.
End-to-end encryption, according to Facebook, “means that nobody else, including Facebook, can see or listen to what’s sent or said.” It’s used to keep bad actors from listening in on phone calls and messages—it keeps the conversation between you and anyone you’re talking to.
Messenger is also testing end-to-end encrypted group chats and calls, said the platform. It’s even taking the idea to Instagram, where end-to-end encryption for direct messages is being tested. The test will be “limited,” Facebook added, and will only apply to one-on-one conversations on the platform.
Instagram users, on the other hand, will have to opt-in to end-to-end encryption, just like Messenger users. Some Messenger users believe their conversations are secure, but they fail to turn on the end-to-end encryption feature, which has sparked a debate.
Unfortunately, Messenger is unable for end-to-end encryption by default by this update; you’ll have to switch it on manually for calls and messages. According to Messenger’s privacy policy, the program “will become end-to-end encrypted by default,” but that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon.
In addition to expanding end-to-end encryption, Facebook announced that it will give users more control over their messages that vanish. When it comes to how long it takes for new messages to disappear, users in the chat can choose from a larger variety of dates. You’ll now have the option of choosing between five seconds and 24 hours.
Facebook Adjusts to Users’ Increasing Security Awareness
Many messaging apps already use end-to-end encryption, such as Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. More people are putting their security first, which means they’re only using communication applications that feature end-to-end encryption.
And just because WhatsApp defaults to end-to-end encryption doesn’t mean it’s without criticism. In January 2021, the Facebook-owned app launched a new privacy policy that asks users to share their data with Facebook.
However, Facebook does not have the finest reputation when it comes to security, and adding end-to-end encryption to its apps does not necessarily make them more secure.
