Tech giant Meta will begin end-to-end encryption of messages on the Facebook and Instagram platforms, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The transition to end-to-end encryption of Facebook users’ messages will begin this week, and the process will take several weeks, BTA adds.
Direct messages on Instagram will also be covered by default encryption a little later, probably in the new year.
So far, Meta has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment on the subject.
The change means that Facebook and Instagram users will not have to enable encryption themselves, which allows messages to be seen only by the sender and their recipients.
Meta, whose WhatsApp platform already encrypts messages, claims encryption ensures users are protected from hackers, fraudsters and criminals.
End-to-end encryption is a point of contention between companies and governments, Reuters notes.
In September, the British government urged Meta not to move to end-to-end encryption on Instagram and Facebook without first taking the necessary measures to protect children from sexual abuse, the agency recalled.
2023-12-07 05:05:43
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