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| Facebook: Facebook Messenger may soon get end-to-end encryption by default, which will increase online privacy. |
The meta-proprietary platform currently offers Messenger users the option to offer end-to-end encryption on a per-conversation basis, but this option is typically only used for security reasons.
Social media giant Facebook has published an update on its long-awaited plans to bring end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default to its Messenger chat platform. Facebook announced on Thursday that it has begun testing end-to-end encryption as the default option for some users of its Messenger app on Android and iOS. According to The Verge, this week Facebook began testing the chat platform's end-to-end encryption feature "among some people".
Facebook's statement comes at a time when the company is facing public backlash for sharing a user message with the Nebraska Police Department. Nebraska police have charged a teen and her mother with illegal abortions using messages shared on Facebook.
The meta-proprietary platform currently offers Messenger users the option to offer end-to-end encryption on a per-conversation basis, but this option is typically only used for security reasons.
Making end-to-end encryption the default option would be a big step forward.
The feature will enhance people's online privacy and security and create a distinct identity on Facebook Messenger, the chatting platform used by over a billion people across the world. However, the argument is also likely to grow that governments are saying that end-to-end encryption hinders their ability to fight crime.
End-to-end encryption means that Facebook can no longer modify or view the content of users' messages. Only the sender and receiver of the message can see it. This would make it difficult for hackers or law enforcement to monitor digital communications, although it is not impossible. Meta has gradually promoted encryption on many of its chat platforms in recent years, but these efforts have yet to be standardized.
Chats on WhatsApp are encrypted by default.
According to the company, WhatsApp chat is end-to-end encrypted. The same protocols provided by industry standards are used to secure messaging signals. While opt-in encryption is currently being tested to secure messages on Instagram, Messenger offers end-to-end encryption through its "Disappearing Messages" feature.
According to The Verge, other new features being tested on Messenger include testing the ability to sync deleted messages across devices, and send messages to Messenger using the company's Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. Hands-free includes adding encryption to sent messages.
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