Meta will remove encrypted messages from Instagram on May 8. The company will end end-to-end encryption on the platform. This means that if users do not download it before this date, all content protected by this technology will be permanently deleted.
The company announced this situation both on the support page and through notifications in the mobile application.
What is end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is a privacy technology that ensures only the sender and receiver of the message can access the content.
Platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, X and Telegram also use this system.
On Instagram, this system protected text messages, images, videos, voice and video calls.
What should users do?
After this change, Meta recommends users to download the messages, photos and videos in their encrypted chats as soon as possible. Otherwise, these contents will be completely lost.
Meta did not explain the reason for this decision. This lack of transparency is notable because it will directly affect the privacy of millions of users.
A controversial issue
End-to-end encryption has long been a topic of debate. Its advantage is that it protects the confidentiality of personal communications. The downside is that it makes it harder for authorities to investigate issues such as organized crime and child abuse. Because, due to its nature, this technology also protects criminal content shares in the same way.
