Zuckerberg Introduces End-to-End Encryption to Messenger

Meta initiated the widespread implementation of default end-to-end encryption protection for its messaging platform, Messenger, for an enhanced level of security and privacy. Meta and external entities will be barred from accessing the content of both chats and calls carried out through Messenger. Through this encryption, Meta is showcasing its commitment to align with legal requirements regarding data privacy, effectively enhancing user trust and confidence in the company’s platform. 

Today, “Messenger has become a fast and reliable service, with enjoyable features and strong safety tools, [including] the added privacy and security of end-to-end encryption,” wrote Loredana Crisan, Head of Messenger, in Meta’s blog. Through this system update, Meta expects to help keep users safe from sophisticated hacking techniques currently employed by cybercriminals.  

After Meta fell victim to a data breach by Cambridge Analytica in 2019, CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, promised its social media users that it would bring end-to-end encryption to its social media platforms. Message encryption between sender and recipient that not even Meta could decipher. This objective required a holistic and collaborative approach between developers and security experts, and years to update features within the platform.

“This [encryption] has taken years to deliver because we [ha]ve taken our time to get this right,” wrote Loredana Crisan, Messenger Head, in a blog post. To meet consumer expectations, “our engineers, cryptographers, designers, policy experts, and product managers have worked tirelessly to rebuild Messenger features from the ground up.”  

This strategic move brings Messenger closer to attaining comprehensive end-to-end protection comparable to Meta's other messaging platform, WhatsApp. In fact, Meta disclosed plans to extend end-to-end encryption protection to Instagram DMs following the successful implementation on Messenger, solidifying its commitment to user privacy across its platforms. 

Beyond these encryption updates, Meta also announced additional features to its Messenger application. These include disappearing messages, read receipts control, and editable messages, among others. Through these improvements, Messenger’s users will be able to send messages that last for 24 hours and edit messages 15 minutes after sending them. Additionally, Meta’s will also upgrade the quality of images sent via Messenger and allow users to play voice messages at 1.5x or 2x speed. 

While Meta’s end-to-end encryption is said to be available for immediate use, the tech company explained that it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption. Furthermore, this feature update could be significantly beneficial for Mexican users’ digital privacy, as 12.1% of internet users within the country use the Messenger application on a regular basis, according to a MEXDEC study.