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In the coming months, Meta will gradually expand end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to everyone Messenger users to ensure a high level of security across the board.
“Gradually” is the key word here Meta states that it will choose randomly (opens in new tab) which chats get E2EE and which don’t. If chosen, everyone in a selected chat will be notified if their app now has that extra layer of protection. The reasoning behind the random selection process is to facilitate both users and the company’s own infrastructure so as not to overwhelm either of them. Ideally, the rollout will go more smoothly if it’s done little by little instead of all at once. In addition, Meta will test whether E2EE will be a default for Messenger during this time. So if you are one of the lucky few to get picked first, make sure you install the update as soon as possible for optimal security.
It is worth noting that in 2021 (opens in new tab), Meta said it plans to release a full version of E2EE for both Messenger and Instagram in 2023. The latter’s end-to-end encryption is available in select regions, and an official launch is presumably still in the works. Instagram’s E2EE feature is in a testing phase as of August 2022 (opens in new tab). Not much else is known, but Meta does mention in this latest announcement that it will provide updates “over the course of 2023”.
What is old is now new
In addition to the expansion, E2EE-enabled Messenger chats gain six new features that increase security and customization; although it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
You have things like link previews so you know where you’re going when selecting a hyperlink and the ability to adjust your active status for added privacy. Further down the list, chat themes are now available, so you can have the plain white background plus custom emoji reactions, group profile pictures, and bubble notifications pop up when you use other apps (though only on Android).
It seems that Meta bridges the gap between the unencrypted version of Messenger and this new E2EE version. Perhaps the company plans to eventually scrap the unencrypted app as part of a long-term plan, but it’s too early to tell if that will be the case.
We asked Meta if the six features are launching today for all users with E2EE Messenger or if they coincide with the aforementioned gradual rollout. We also asked for an update regarding Instagram encryption as there has been hardly any news about the E2EE on the app in recent months. This story will be updated if we hear anything.
If you’re interested in other messaging apps with E2EE and don’t want to wait for Messenger, be sure to check it out TechRadar’s updated list of the best. Of course you have Meta’s own WhatsApp, which has been encrypted for years. You also have Telegram and Threema.