In December 2023, Meta introduced the optional end-to-end encryption for one-on-one DMs on Instagram. This feature was available in selected countries, and users had to enable it manually per chat. The E2EE messaging ensured that only the communicating users can decrypt and read messages, though for reporting and optional features, either of the communicating users can choose to share messages with Meta.
Meta has now announced via its Instagram support page that end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8th May, 2026. According to reports, Meta mentioned, “Very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs, so we’re removing this option from Instagram in the coming months. Anyone who wants to keep messaging with end-to-end encryption can easily do that on WhatsApp.”
Users who will be affected by this change will see instructions on how they can download any media or messages that they may want to keep. If you are on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.
In 2024, Meta announced to drop E2EE messaging for Facebook Messenger, and now the same step is being taken for Instagram. It is said that this decision comes after some government and child safety groups have urged the company to step up its child-safety measures, as encrypted messaging can make it harder to detect illegal activities or harmful content online.
Though the announcement of the removal of this feature from the platform has now raised concerns among users regarding their privacy and safety.
