Instagram has officially switched off its "ultra-private" messaging feature globally. The move means the platform is abandoning end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for direct messages.
This represents a major shift for Meta. The company previously described this technology as the "gold standard" for user privacy.
A major policy reversal
In 2019, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged to make messaging private across all platforms. He famously stated that the future is private. While Meta completed the rollout of E2EEon Facebook Messenger in 2023, it remained optional on Instagram.
After a seven-year effort to implement the tech, Meta has now decided to stop the wider rollout on Instagram. According to BBC News, the app will instead use standard encryption.
Standard encryption means an internet service provider can access private material if needed.
By removing E2EE, Meta will now be able to access the content of your direct messages. This includes your images, videos, and voice notes.
Why is Meta changing course?
Meta told reporters the decision was made because very few people were choosing to use the private feature. However, experts suggest that optional features often have low take-up because they require extra effort from the user.
BBC News says that cyber security expert Victoria Baines believes the move might be linked to the rise of artificial intelligence.
"Companies like Meta are focusing on training AI models, for which messaging data can be extremely valuable."
Instagram has previously stated that direct messages are not used to train its AI models.
The decision has divided campaigners. Privacy advocates, however, are concerned.
What happens next?
Meta did not make a big public announcement about the change. Instead, it quietly updated its terms and conditions in March. The update confirmed that encrypted messaging would no longer be supported after 8 May 2026.
Users affected by the change should see instructions in the app on how to download any media or messages they want to keep.
This move sets Instagram apart from other major players. E2EE remains the default on WhatsApp, Signal, and Apple’s iMessage. However, TikTok also recently told the BBC it has no plans to introduce the technology.
Experts worry this could signal a wider trend of social media apps moving away from total privacy.
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