Meta tests default end-to-end encryption in Messenger

Meta is launching a big wave of tests on Messenger’s default for end-to-end encryption. There are also new features dedicated to security.

Meta has been working on end-to-end encryption for its messaging services for a long time, but so far only WhatsApp has enabled this feature by default. In its latest announcement on the subject, Meta explains that it is starting to test end-to-end encrypted chats by default for a range of users on Messenger. Selected users will find that their most active conversations are automatically end-to-end encrypted. This means they no longer have a reason to initiate a “Secret Conversation”with interested friends.

Meta launches big wave of tests in Messenger

The company is also testing secure storage for encrypted chats, which gives users access to their chat history in case they lose their phone or want to restore it to a new device. To access these secure vault backups, users will need to create a PIN or generate special codes. These are options for end-to-end encryption that provide an additional layer of protection. However, users can also use cloud services to restore their conversations – for example, with an iOS device, you can use iCloud to store a secret key that opens access to its backups. Meta will also start testing this secure vault this week, but only on Android and iOS.

around default end-to-end encryption

Among other things initiated by Meta in the coming weeks, it will also be about testing Messenger’s “regular”functionality in end-to-end encrypted conversations. For example, the American giant will test the possibility of unsending messages and sending replies to Facebook stories as encrypted conversations. End-to-end encrypted calls in the Calls tab should also go to Messenger. Ray-Ban Stories users will also be able to send encrypted, hands-free messages via Messenger.

There are also new features dedicated to security.

In addition, Meta is launching a new security feature called Code Verify. It’s a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge that, as the name suggests, helps verify the authenticity of the Messenger website code to make sure it hasn’t been compromised. The company is shutting down ephemeral chats but retaining the ephemeral messaging feature. For Instagram, Meta will expand on the current testing of end-to-end encrypted messages and in-app calls.