Meta has officially announced that it will discontinue end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram starting in May 2026.
This decision marks a significant reversal for the company, which had previously aimed to integrate robust encryption across its entire suite of messaging platforms.
The company stated that the primary reason for this change is the consistently low uptake of the feature among its user base.
While the option was intended to provide enhanced privacy, Meta claims that very few users actively opted into the encrypted messaging experience.
For those who prioritize encrypted communication, Meta has directed users toward WhatsApp.
The company maintains that WhatsApp will continue to support end-to-end encryption as a core feature of its service.
This move follows years of intense scrutiny from various law enforcement agencies and child safety organizations.
These groups have long argued that widespread encryption could hinder efforts to detect and prevent illegal activities, including child exploitation and terrorism.
Industry experts suggest that the decision may also be influenced by broader commercial considerations.
By removing encryption, Meta gains the technical ability to access message content, which could potentially be utilized for advertising purposes or to improve artificial intelligence models.
Digital rights advocates have expressed concern regarding the implications of this policy shift.
They argue that reducing encryption standards undermines the fundamental privacy rights of users who rely on these platforms for secure communication.
The Australian eSafety commissioner noted that while platforms have the autonomy to choose their design, they retain a responsibility to prevent harm.
The office emphasized that the absence of encryption does not absolve a company from its duty to protect users from online threats.
Some analysts believe this change reflects a strategic pivot in how Meta manages its different applications.
By keeping WhatsApp encrypted while removing it from Instagram, the company may be attempting to differentiate the utility of its various social media tools.
Ultimately, the removal of this feature highlights the ongoing tension between user privacy and the demands of regulatory bodies.
As Meta moves forward with this update, the tech industry will likely continue to debate the balance between security and accessibility.