Tech giant Meta has announced it will discontinue end-to-end encryption for direct messages on Instagram. The change will take effect on May 8, 2026, with the company citing low user adoption as the main reason behind the decision.
According to an update on its support page and notifications sent within the app, Meta confirmed that end-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026.
Users whose chats are affected will receive instructions on how to download messages or media they want to keep before the feature is removed.
Meta also noted that some users may need to update the Instagram app if they are using an older version before they can download their encrypted chat history.
Why Meta is ending feature
Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce told The Verge that the company decided to discontinue the feature because very few people were actively using it.
End-to-end encryption ensures that messages and calls remain private between participants. When enabled by both users, the messages cannot be viewed by outside parties — including Meta itself — unless they are shared by the participants.
Tech companies, including Meta, have faced growing scrutiny over user data and privacy.
On one hand, companies have been criticized for sharing user communications with external entities such as law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, some critics argue that widespread encryption can make it harder to detect criminal activities online.
Some child safety advocates claim that fully encrypted messaging platforms can be misused by predators to communicate with minors without detection.
How other platforms handle encryption
Other social media companies have taken different approaches to encrypted messaging.
For instance, TikTok does not provide end-to-end encryption for direct messages. The platform previously told the BBC that the decision was made due to safety considerations, allowing law enforcement and internal teams access to certain chat data when necessary.
Users who still prefer encrypted messaging services may use WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta and continues to offer end-to-end encryption by default.
However, Meta clarified that encrypted messaging will still remain available on Facebook Messenger, another platform operated by the company.
