Meta to start fully encrypting messages on Facebook and Messenger
On Wednesday, Meta Platforms announced the launch of end-to-end encryption for personal chats and calls on both Messenger and Facebook. The feature will be made accessible right away, though it may take a while for all Messenger users to have the default end-to-end encryption applied to their accounts.
- Tech
- Reuters
- Published Date: 09:29 | 07 December 2023
- Modified Date: 09:29 | 07 December 2023
Meta Platforms said on Wednesday it has started to roll out end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook.
The end-to-end encryption feature will be available for use immediately, the social media giant said, but it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption.
Messenger previously had the option to turn on end-to-end encryption, allowing a message to be read only by the sender and its recipients, but with this change messages would be encrypted by default, Meta said.
Meta, whose WhatsApp platform already encrypts messages, has said encryption can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters and criminals.
End-to-end encryption has been a bone of contention between companies and governments. The British government had urged Meta in September not to roll out encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures to protect children from sexual abuse.