End-to-end encryption in Instagram DMs will no longer be available from May 8, 2026, according to Meta.
It is, however, interesting to note that end-to-end encryption was never made available to all Instagram users and instead some users had the ability to enable encryption on a per-chat basis.
In an update, Meta explained that “end-to-end encrypted messages and calls ensure only you and the people you’re communicating with can see or listen to what is sent, and no one else, not even Meta, can do so.”
Meta spokesperson explained the reason for the step saying that very few people were using end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs, so they are removing the option. They said that users who want to keep messaging with end-to-end encryption can do so on WhatsApp, reported Engadget.
Meta’s use of encryption has been repeatedly criticized by law enforcement and some child safety organizations that say the feature makes it harder to catch predators who target children on social media. Recently, the topic has been raised numerous times during a trial in New Mexico over child safety. Internal documents that have surfaced as part of the trial show Meta executives and researchers debating the trade-offs between safety and privacy as it relates to encryption.
