Technology

Jeddah : Meta has officially removed end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram, ending a privacy feature that had been available as an optional setting since 2023. As of today, messages sent through Instagram Direct Messages are no longer fully encrypted, meaning conversations may be accessible to Meta and could potentially be shared with law enforcement agencies when legally required. The encryption feature was introduced as an opt-in setting, but it was never enabled by default. Users had to manually activate encryption separately for each conversation through settings that many users were unaware existed. Meta also did not expand the feature to all Instagram users globally. Earlier this year, Meta confirmed to The Guardian that the company planned to discontinue the feature because “very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs.” The company now recommends that users seeking stronger privacy protections use WhatsApp, which continues to provide end-to-end encryption by default. Other messaging platforms such as Signal and iMessage also continue offering encrypted communication. Privacy advocates have raised concerns following the removal, warning that conversations on Instagram may now become more accessible for moderation systems, advertising analysis, and artificial intelligence development. Also Read | Instagram launches repost and map features Although Meta says direct message content is currently not used for targeted advertising, the company’s policies include language allowing data usage for “product improvement.” Analysts note that Meta has increasingly integrated AI-driven personalization across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The move also comes shortly before the implementation of the “Take It Down Act,” a law requiring online platforms to remove non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes, within 48 hours of receiving a takedown request. Experts say encrypted systems can make it difficult for platforms to review or detect such content. Also Read | Meta launches Ads on WhatsApp Meta has reportedly provided users with instructions on how to download messages and media from previously encrypted chats before the feature is completely phased out. Law enforcement agencies and some child safety organizations had long argued that encrypted messaging systems limit the ability to investigate harmful or illegal activity online. However, digital rights groups warn that reducing encryption may weaken user privacy and online security. The decision marks another major shift in Meta’s evolving approach toward messaging privacy, platform moderation, and artificial intelligence integration across its social media ecosystem.