Meta Removes End-to-End Encryption from Instagram Direct Messages

Meta has removed end-to-end encryption from Instagram direct messages. The feature previously allowed users to manually opt into encrypted chats through the app settings. This change marks a significant shift in how the platform handles private user communications.

Internal executive calls the move irresponsible

The company cites low usage as the primary reason for the removal. Meta stated that very few people were using the end-to-end encryption feature. Standard transport-level encryption remains active to protect data while it travels across networks. However, Meta now holds the decryption keys for messages stored on its servers.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from within the company. Monika Bickert, a Meta executive, wrote in an internal chat that the move was irresponsible. She described the action as doing a bad thing as a company. Her comments highlight internal disagreement regarding the privacy implications of the change.

This update affects the privacy landscape for Instagram users globally. The removal eliminates a layer of security that prevented Meta from reading message content. Users who previously enabled the feature will find it no longer available in their chat settings. The platform now relies on server-side encryption rather than user-controlled end-to-end protection.