Messenger Improves Encryption Features, Makes Chats Safer!

Messenger now has end-to-end encryption. (photo: doc. Meta)

JAKARTA - Meta instant messaging app Messenger has just launched an end-to-end encryption (E2EE) feature for group chats and calls, as well as other features that are available globally.

In fact, E2EE features have been available for the last eight years in Messenger, but as an optional feature where users have to choose between enabling E2EE and having all the functions available in chat or not. But now this feature is no longer available optionally, but has become the default feature.

Plans to bring the E2EE feature to default were first announced this August 2021, promising Messenger users a way to keep their private conversations safe from cybercriminals, and state surveillance.

However, the feature has met with resistance from the government, which says Messenger's plans to expand its encryption efforts will complicate law enforcement's ability to investigate crimes.

Meta doesn't just give up, they continue to carry out their mission and state that E2EE has been widely used by its applications such as WhatsApp and has become an industry standard.

E2EE for group chats and calls wasn't fully rolled out at the time of last year's announcement. Instead, Meta started testing the feature for friends and family who already have a chat thread and are already connected. Citing TechCrunch, Friday, January 28, a few months later, the feature has been fully rolled out to Messenger users globally.

In addition to the E2EE features, Messenger also adds another security feature by launching screenshot notifications in end-to-end encrypted chats, similar to its competitor Snapchat, which also alerts users if someone takes a screenshot of a lost message.

It's the same feature that's already offered in Messenger's disappearing mode, a feature that works like Snapchat, where messages disappear once viewed. If someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing mode chat and now the message is gone in the E2EE chat, the user will also receive a notification so they can admonish the person, block or report it if necessary.

Lastly, E2EE chats will also gain access to other features that were previously available to non-E2EEs, including GIFs, stickers, and reactions, as well as support for replying to specific threads, typing indications, and forwarding options.

A verified badge will also be available for E2EE chats, which helps users identify real accounts, while chatting. Users will be able to save media by editing photos and videos before sending.

Even though Messenger received some fixes regarding E2EE, Meta still plans to have all chats encrypted by 2023 when merging Instagram and Messenger conversations. Meta says all of these features will be available on all Messenger platforms, including web and mobile in the coming days.