Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has finally decided to implement end-to-end encryption (E2E) in its Messenger messenger. The move is a long-awaited one and puts user privacy first.
Meta says that the Messenger update required a complete overhaul of the app with tighter security to ensure the privacy of private chats. Users can now rest assured that no one, not even Meta itself, can read their messages or listen in on calls.
End-to-end encryption protects the content of messages and calls from the moment they are sent to the moment they are received by the recipient. This means that only the sender and recipient can read them, and neither Meta nor anyone else has access to the correspondence. This is a revolutionary change that makes Messenger even more secure and private for users.
The move to end-to-end encryption is part of Meta's broader plan to integrate various messaging tools between apps. This will eventually lead to a universal inbox that combines Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram Direct chats. This innovative approach to communication between apps will make it easier and more convenient for users to communicate.
However, along with this change came obstacles. Meta announced the removal of the messaging feature between Facebook and Instagram, which raised some questions. This may be due to new EU regulations and an attempt to align Messenger and Instagram Direct with Facebook and Instagram. However, Messenger is still encrypted by default, while IG Direct is not yet.
Apart from introducing end-to-end encryption, Meta is also releasing other new features to improve the Messenger user experience. You will soon be able to edit your messages within 15 minutes of sending just like in WhatsApp. Disappearing messages will last 24 hours and there will be improved visual display options. All this will make Messenger more similar to WhatsApp in functionality.
However, the implementation of end-to-end encryption has clashed with some governments and security officials. They fear that encryption could help criminals hide their activities from law enforcement. In the UK, serious concerns have been raised that it could limit the ability of police to investigate and prevent crimes against children.
Of course, maintaining the security and privacy of communications at the same time as ensuring the safety of the public is a challenge. Ultimately, the issue of security remains one of the key concerns when implementing encryption in messengers.
Meta has taken a big step forward by implementing end-to-end encryption by default in Messenger. This validates their commitment to user privacy and security. Despite obstacles and concerns, Meta continues to put privacy first and develop new features to improve the user experience. Encryption is an integral part of the future of messengers, and Meta is one of the leaders in this area.