Privacy in Instagram Direct: Meta abandons encryption system

Meta has disabled E2EE (end-to-end encryption) technology in Instagram Direct private messages. The company, which previously called this feature the "gold standard of privacy," has now confirmed that employees will have access to users' text messages, photos, and videos. This is reported by Ixbt.com reports .

Having taken steps toward a "private future" since 2019 by implementing encryption in Facebook Messenger and Instagram, Meta has unexpectedly reversed this policy. Company representatives stated that user demand for this feature was low, which is why they decided against making it mandatory.

Critics suspect that other motives may be hidden behind this decision. Specifically, access to messages provides Meta with a valuable database to improve advertising systems and develop artificial intelligence products. The company claims that messages are not used to train neural networks.

This change has been met with mixed reactions. Child protection organizations supported the decision, noting that the lack of encryption makes it easier to detect illegal activities. Digital privacy advocates, however, view this as a retreat from security standards and a dangerous signal that undermines user trust.