Meta introduces default end-to-end encryption on Instagram & Messenger

Meta is introducing end-to-end encryption on Instagram and Messenger by default. The company's famous instant messaging app WhatsApp has offered end-to-end encryption for quite some time now.

End-to-end encryption prevents Meta from viewing the contents of its users' communications. This makes it considerably more difficult for third parties, such as hackers or law enforcement, to keep tabs on digital communications.

Meta is also developing a new tool called Secure Storage, which encrypts cloud backups of Messenger users' chat history. No one, not even Meta, will be able to view the contents of chats. Secure storage will be the default method for protecting users' backup histories, and users will be able to use a PIN to restore their conversation backup.

Meta has said in the past that it has been sluggish to make end-to-end encryption default on all of its chat platforms due to the difficulties of integrating such technology into billions of installed apps and the necessity to balance user privacy and safety.

However, in the new update, Meta reaffirmed that it is on schedule to make end-to-end encryption default for all Messenger conversations and calls "by 2023."

Also watch: Instagram testing new features for photo posts