Meta has taken a significant step by introducing default end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations and calls on its Messenger platform, realizing a longstanding commitment to user privacy.
The move ensures that only the sender and recipient have access to the contents of a message, marking a transition from the initially optional encrypted chat feature introduced in 2016.
Loredana Crisan, Vice President of Messenger, emphasized the careful development process, involving engineers, cryptographers, designers, policy experts, and product managers to rebuild Messenger features comprehensively.
We’re starting to roll out default end-to-end encryption for personal calls and messages on @messenger. This isn’t a routine security update: we rebuilt the app from the ground up, in close consultation with privacy and safety experts. We added some new features too: you can now… pic.twitter.com/c7HhrjJWPf
— Loredana Crisan (@loredanacrisan) December 7, 2023
While encrypted chats won’t compromise Messenger features like themes and custom reactions, the transition to default encryption for all chats may require some time.
The default end-to-end encryption for group chats remains optional. Furthermore, Instagram messages are expected to follow suit shortly after the rollout of default private Messenger chats.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, outlined the company’s commitment to encrypted communication in 2019, aiming for increased user confidence in secure, private conversations and a departure from lingering data concerns.
This move also shields user data from being provided to law enforcement, aligning with Meta’s commitment to user privacy.