TECH
End of secret DMs on Insta: can it affect your privacy?
Instagram has stopped end-to-end encrypted chats starting May 8.
End-to-end encryption means only the sender and receiver can read messages, not even the platform.
With encryption ending, Instagram (Meta) can technically access message content for moderation or service improvements.
What's in it for you?
- •ONLINE SAFETY: Meta describes this move as a step to curb online harassment, scams and child exploitation.
- •MORE TARGETED ADS: If message content is no longer encrypted, Meta may use conversation signals to push more targeted ads and recommendations.
- •GOVERNMENT ACCESS RISK: Without end-to-end encryption, law enforcement could request access to message data, which was harder earlier.
- •ALTERNATIVES TO INSTAGRAM: If you are concerned about privacy and want to shift messaging to encrypted platforms, WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram are some of the alternatives.
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