Meta to end Instagram private message encryption after May 8
End-to-end encryption will be removed on Instagram to allow better oversight of private messages.
The US tech giant, Meta, has announced that end-to-end encryption for private messages on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8 May.
Previously, such a technology ensured that only intended recipients could read messages, preventing even Meta from accessing their contents.
The decision follows concerns from law enforcement and child protection organisations, which argued that encrypted messages can make it harder to identify harmful content involving children.
Meta has stated that the update allows the platform to monitor messages while maintaining standard privacy safeguards.
End-to-end encryption had been the default for several messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and other Meta services.
The company first signalled its intent to expand encryption across Instagram and Messenger in 2019, implementing it in 2023. The plan was met with objections from organisations such as the Internet Watch Foundation and the Virtual Global Taskforce.
These groups highlighted potential risks in preventing the timely detection of harmful content, particularly child sexual abuse material.
Meta’s shift reflects a compromise between privacy, platform security, and online child safety. The company has not provided further details on changes to encryption policies beyond Instagram’s private messaging service.
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