Instagram has removed its optional end-to-end encryption feature for direct messages, raising privacy concerns among users.
The feature, which was available for selected one-on-one chats, allowed messages to be protected so that only the sender and receiver could read them. After the change, Instagram direct messages will no longer have the same level of encryption protection. Meta said the feature was being discontinued because very few users had adopted it, and suggested that people who want encrypted messaging can use WhatsApp instead.
Users who had enabled encrypted chats are being notified in the app. They have been advised to download any encrypted chat history, photos or media they want to keep before access changes.
What users should do now
Users should check Instagram notifications and download important chat data or media from encrypted conversations. They should avoid sharing sensitive personal, financial or private information through Instagram direct messages. For private conversations, users can move to apps that provide end-to-end encryption by default, such as WhatsApp or Signal.
Users should also review their Instagram privacy settings, enable two-factor authentication and be careful with suspicious links or unknown accounts.
