Meta to discontinue end-to-end encryption for Instagram chats

As reported by The Hacker News, Meta has announced plans to discontinue end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for chats on Instagram, a move that will take effect after May 8, 2026. This decision impacts users who have relied on this feature for private communication on the platform.

Meta first began testing E2EE for Instagram direct messages in 2021 as part of a broader privacy initiative. The feature, which was not always enabled by default and was only available in some regions, aimed to ensure that only communicating users could decrypt and read messages. However, the company is now providing instructions for users to download any media or messages they wish to keep before the discontinuation. This development follows similar stances from other platforms, with TikTok also recently stating it would not introduce E2EE for its direct messages, citing user safety concerns.

The decision to discontinue E2EE on Instagram comes amid ongoing debates between privacy advocates and law enforcement regarding the balance between secure communication and the ability to access data for investigations, particularly concerning illegal activities. The European Commission is expected to present a roadmap on encryption, exploring solutions for lawful access to encrypted data while upholding cybersecurity and fundamental rights.

Source: The Hacker News