Over the next few months, Meta will gradually roll out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to everyone delivery boy Users to ensure a high level of security across the board.
“Gradually” is the keyword here Meta indicates it will choose randomly (opens in new tab) which chats get E2EE and which don’t. When selected, everyone in a selected chat will be notified if their app now has this extra layer of protection. The rationale behind the random selection process is to take the load off of both the users and the corporate infrastructure so as not to overwhelm either. Ideally, the rollout will be smoother if it’s gradual rather than all at once. Also, Meta will test whether or not E2EE will be a default for Messenger during this time. So if you’re one of the lucky few to be chosen first, you should install the update as soon as possible for optimal security.
It’s worth mentioning back in 2021 (opens in new tab), Meta said it has plans to release a full version of E2EE for both Messenger and Instagram in 2023. The latter’s end-to-end encryption is available in certain regions, with an official launch believed to be a work in progress. Instagram’s E2EE feature is currently in a testing phase Aug 2022 (opens in new tab). Not much else is known, but Meta does mention in this latest announcement that it will provide updates “throughout 2023.”
What is old is now new
In addition to the expansion, E2EE-enabled messenger chats get six new features that improve security and customization; although it’s nothing we haven’t seen before.
You have things like link previews so you know where you’re going when you select a hyperlink and the ability to customize your active status for more privacy. Chat themes are now available further down the list, so you can drop the plain white background, as well as custom emoji reactions, profile photos for groups, and bubble notifications that appear when using other apps (only on Android, though).
It looks like Meta will bridge the gap between the unencrypted version of Messenger and this new E2EE-enabled version. Perhaps the company is preparing things to eventually drop the unencrypted app as part of a long-term plan, but it’s too early to tell if that will be the case.
We asked Meta if the six features are rolling out to all users with E2EE Messenger today, or if they coincide with the phased rollout mentioned earlier. We’ve also asked for an update regarding Instagram encryption as there hasn’t been much news regarding the E2EE in the app in the past few months. This story will be updated when we get feedback.
If you’re interested in other messaging apps with E2EE and don’t want to wait for Messenger, be sure to check it out TechRadar’s updated list of the best. Of course, you have Meta’s own WhatsApp, which has been encrypted for years. They also have Telegram and Threema.
