technology
Meta Disables Optional End-to-End Encryption for Instagram Direct Messages
The change took effect on May 8, 2026, making messages accessible to Meta and internet service providers. The company cited low usage of the optional feature, which it introduced in 2023 after first announcing plans in 2019. Child protection groups welcomed the move while privacy advocates criticized it.
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Meta ended support for end-to-end encryption on Instagram direct messages on May 8, 2026. The optional feature, available since its introduction in 2023, is no longer offered. After the change, internet service providers and Meta can access private Instagram direct messages.
Meta stated that too few people used end-to-end encryption for it to be worthwhile. " The terms and conditions also state that users with affected chats will see instructions on how to download any media or messages they may wish to keep. Meta first announced plans to introduce end-to-end encryption in 2019 as part of a wider push to unify the technology across its messaging services.
The company quietly updated an Instagram help page in March 2026 noting that end-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026. The NSPCC praised the decision, claiming it will prevent grooming and child abuse from going unseen. " Hodgson described Meta’s excuse of low opt-in rates as a "classic Big Tech distraction".
Tom Sulston, Head of Policy at Digital Rights Watch, told The Guardian that the fact WhatsApp is staying encrypted suggests Meta might be pivoting to segregating social media from chat. Instagram only introduced end-to-end encryption back in 2023, so this security boost has been relatively short-lived.
