The end-to-end encryption feature has been implemented by Instagram as an option since 2023. However, in March this year, the platform updated its support page and announced that the feature would be removed from private messages from May 8.
Instagram said that affected users will receive instructions in the application to download messages or media files they want to save.
However, the company has not explained why encrypted conversations must be downloaded before this deadline, as well as what will happen to them afterwards.
Previously, a Meta spokesman said that the decision to kill off the feature stemmed from too few users.
Very few people choose to use end-to-end encryption for live messages on Instagram, so we will remove this option in the next few months. Those who want to continue sending end-to-end encrypted messages can completely use WhatsApp" - a Meta representative said.
The new move is considered a notable turning point, because Meta itself has actively promoted increased encryption on social networking platforms and messaging applications since 2019.
Currently, end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger group chats is still an optional feature, while WhatsApp still maintains default encryption for all messages and calls.
