Facebook is making video and voice calls safer on Messenger.
Facebook is expanding end-to-end encryption to Messenger voice and video calls and direct messages (DMs) on Instagram. Turning on the feature will let users communicate securely, whether over calls or text messages.
Facebook Brings End-to-End Encryption to More Services
A post on Messenger News revealed that Facebook is amping up security on both Messenger and Instagram. Facebook started offering encrypted messaging on Messenger in 2016, and now that very same protection is obtainable for voice and video calls.
Facebook noted that having end-to-end encryption “means that no-one else, including Facebook, can see or hear what’s sent or said.” End-to-end encryption is put in situ to stop bad actors from listening in on phone calls and messages—it keeps the conversation between you and whoever you’re lecture.
The platform also announced that it’s testing end-to-end encrypted group chats and calls in Messenger. It’s even expanding the initiative to Instagram, where it’s testing end-to-end encryption for DMs. However, Facebook said that the test will be “limited,” and can only pertain to one-on-one conversations on the platform.
However, Instagram users will need to opt-in to end-to-end encryption, which is very similar to what you’ve got to try on Messenger. This has become a source of controversy, as some Messenger users think their conversations are protected but fail to show on the end-to-end encryption setting.
Unfortunately, this update doesn’t activate end-to-end encryption by default Messenger—you’ll still need to toggle the setting for calls and texts. Messenger’s privacy page states that the app “will become end-to-end encrypted by default,” but it doesn’t appear as if that’s close to happening anytime soon.
Aside from expanding end-to-end encryption, Facebook also said that it’s giving users more control over their disappearing messages. Users within the chat can choose between a wider range of times when it involves how long it takes for brand spanking new messages to disappear. You’ll now be ready to choose between anywhere between five seconds and 24 hours.
Facebook Adapts to Growing Security Awareness Among Users
Many messaging apps, like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram, already use end-to-end encryption. However, more users prioritize their security, limiting the communication apps they use to people who offer end-to-end encryption.
And although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by default, that does not mean it’s freed from controversy. The Facebook-owned app debuted a replacement privacy policy in January 2021, asking users to share their data with Facebook.
That said, Facebook doesn’t have the simplest reputation when it involves security, and its expansion of end-to-end encryption doesn’t necessarily make its apps more appealing security-wise.
