Meta is removing end-to-end encryption from Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) starting May 8, 2026. This means that chats will no longer be encrypted, making messages and media visible to Meta staff unless shared by the users themselves.
The company claims that only a few people were using this feature, but some critics argue that it allows child predators to target minors without detection. Instead, Meta recommends using WhatsApp for end-to-end encryption or its own messaging service, Messenger. However, even on these platforms, security measures are in place to protect user data.
This decision follows the company’s past moves to provide law enforcement and internal teams with chat data, sparking concerns about user safety and privacy. The change will impact users who relied on this feature for secure communication, emphasizing the need for robust online security measures.
Source: https://mashable.com/article/instagram-meta-end-to-end-encryption