Meta has announced that it will remove the option for end-to-end encrypted messaging in Instagram direct messages (DMs) starting May 8, 2026, a move that has raised concerns among privacy experts and digital rights advocates.
The feature was originally introduced in 2021 as part of Meta’s broader effort to build a more private messaging ecosystem across its platforms. However, the company now says the tool has seen very limited use among Instagram users.
In an official statement explaining the decision, Meta said: “Very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs, so we are removing this option from Instagram.”
The change means that messages exchanged through Instagram’s DM system will no longer have the same level of security protection that prevents anyone except the sender and receiver from reading them.
Why encryption is being removed
End-to-end encryption ensures that messages remain private and cannot be accessed by third parties, including the platform itself. The feature has become a key element in modern messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal.
On Instagram, however, the encryption feature required users to manually enable it in chat settings. According to Meta, the optional system resulted in low adoption rates, which ultimately influenced the company’s decision to discontinue the feature.
Meta has also confirmed that it has not announced any replacement feature for encrypted messaging within Instagram at this time.
WhatsApp suggested for secure messaging
For users who require secure conversations, Meta has suggested switching to WhatsApp, the company’s messaging platform where end-to-end encryption is enabled by default.
Unlike Instagram, WhatsApp automatically protects messages, calls, photos and videos with encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the content.
Meta has positioned WhatsApp as its primary platform for secure private communication across its ecosystem.
Users asked to download encrypted chats
Instagram users who previously enabled encrypted messaging will soon receive notifications explaining how to save their content before the feature disappears.
According to the company, users will be provided instructions on how to download their encrypted media files and messages before the service is removed from the platform.
Once the deadline passes, those encrypted conversations will no longer be accessible through Instagram’s messaging system.
Experts raise privacy concerns
The decision has triggered criticism from digital privacy advocates who argue that removing encryption reduces user protection against surveillance and cyber threats.
Experts say that encrypted messaging tools are increasingly important as cybercrime and online data breaches continue to rise globally.
The debate over encryption has also intensified across social media platforms. Last week, TikTok announced that it would not introduce encrypted messaging, saying such features could make it harder for safety teams and law enforcement agencies to review harmful content when necessary.
Despite the concerns, Meta maintains that the change reflects actual user behaviour and that other platforms within its ecosystem still offer secure messaging options.
