A major Instagram privacy update has sparked concern among users after Meta decided to remove the optional end-to-end encryption feature from Instagram direct messages.
The feature, introduced in 2023 as an optional privacy setting, allowed users to secure chats so only the sender and receiver could read messages. With the latest change, Instagram chats will now return to standard encryption, meaning Meta can access message content under certain conditions.
Meta said only a small number of users enabled encrypted chats on Instagram. The company now recommends privacy-focused users move sensitive conversations to WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption remains active by default.
The decision has triggered mixed reactions from privacy experts and child safety groups. Supporters of the move argue that encrypted chats make it harder to detect harmful activity and online abuse. Critics, however, believe removing the feature weakens digital privacy and increases access to personal conversations.
The Instagram privacy update also raises concerns about how social media platforms handle user data.
Cybersecurity experts say messaging content has become increasingly valuable for advertising and AI-related technologies.
Users who want stronger privacy protections are being advised to use encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Signal for personal and sensitive communication.
Meta originally announced plans in 2019 to expand private messaging protections across its platforms. While Facebook Messenger later received broader encryption support, Instagram’s encrypted chat feature remained optional and is now being discontinued.
The move marks another shift in Meta’s approach to privacy, safety, and content monitoring.
