Instagram DMs aren’t end-to-end encrypted, starting today
Instagram has officially removed end-to-end encryption (e2ee) for direct messages.
The privacy feature, which prevents messages in transit between users from being intercepted and read, was previously an optional setting for Instagram users. Now all chats will be under standard encryption. As part of the latter, service or network providers can potentially access messages.
Meta announced an investment in end-to-end encryption in 2019, with plans to roll out the feature as the default chat setting across its platforms, including Messenger and Instagram. But the company has since changed course under pressure from a broader industry.
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The platform quietly announced that the feature would be removed in March, with a spokesperson explaining that the decision was driven by low usage. Privacy groups have raised alarms about tech giants handing over users’ private communications to law enforcement and for use in AI training. Meta said it does not use private messages to train its AI models.
Other online safety groups have welcomed greater transparency to improve platform moderation, including those fighting the proliferation of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and child predator networks.
I had end-to-end encryption enabled. What should I do now?
For those who still want the privacy of end-to-end encryption, the company recommended users turn to WhatsApp or Meta’s standalone Messenger app, which still offers this feature.
Meta also said it warned users who had end-to-end encryption enabled in chats with friends, prompting them to download their chat histories and media. Users may need the latest app update to archive their encrypted chats, the company noted.
