Instagram Ends End-to-End Encrypted Messaging Feature After May 8 Deadline

Story Summary

Meta announced on Friday that end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram will cease to function after May 8. Approximately three billion users worldwide previously had the ability to opt in to secure messaging, but adoption remained low. Users who wish to preserve their encrypted conversations must download them via provided instructions before the deadline expires. Following this date, all messages will lack encryption shielding against potential access by authorities or other parties.