Facebook is now expanding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to Facebook Messenger voice and video calls, as well as to Instagram’s direct messages (DMs). This new development will allow the users to communicate more securely, similar to the system on WhatsApp.
A post on Messenger News reported that Facebook is increasing its security measures on both Messenger and Instagram. Facebook began offering encrypted messaging on Messenger in 2016, and now that same security is offered for Messenger voice and video calls.
The companies noted that having end-to-end encryption “suggests that nobody else, including Facebook, can view or listen to what’s sent or said.” End-to-end encryption is put in place to block bad actors from hearing in on phone calls and messages.
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Several messaging apps, such as Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram already employ E2EE providing secure communication. Having secure communication is one of the most emerging concerns these days.
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Although WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption by default, that doesn’t mean the application is free of controversy. WhatsApp came under scrutiny when the app rolled out a new privacy policy in January 2021, which requested users to share their data with Facebook.
Facebook to Bring End-to-End Encryption to Other Products Also
In addition to this, social media giant, Facebook has some other E2EE features in the works, too. The company is planning to begin public tests of end-to-end encryption for Messenger group chats and calls in the following weeks and is further planning a limited test of E2EE for Instagram DMs. Those included in the trial will be able to opt-in to end-to-end encrypted messages and calls for one-on-one talks carried out on the photo-sharing platform.
“End-to-end encryption is already widely used by apps like WhatsApp to keep personal conversations safe from hackers and criminals,” Ruth Kricheli, director of product management for Messenger, said in a blog post on Friday. “It’s becoming the industry standard and works like a lock and key, where just you and the people in the chat or call have access to the conversation.”
Source: TechCrunch
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