• Meta will discontinue end-to-end encryption for Instagram chats in May 2026

Meta announced that its end-to-end encryption feature for Instagram messaging will officially be discontinued starting May 8, 2026. Users will have access to instructions on how to save their messages and media before the change takes effect.

In a guidance document, Meta explained: “If your chats are affected by this update, you will see instructions on how to download any media or messages you wish to keep. Users with older versions of the app may need to update before downloading affected chats.”

The company noted that very few users actually rely on full encryption for direct messages on Instagram. Those who still want fully encrypted messaging can continue using WhatsApp, which offers end-to-end encryption.

Meta first began testing end-to-end encryption for Instagram messages in 2021 as part of its “Privacy Vision for Social Communication,” led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Currently, the feature is available only in selected regions and is not enabled by default.

This announcement follows comments from TikTok stating it does not plan to implement full end-to-end encryption for messaging, citing concerns that it could reduce user safety, particularly for minors.

Earlier reports by Reuters noted that Meta continued to expand encryption services on Facebook and Instagram despite internal warnings in 2019 that doing so could hinder the company’s ability to detect illegal activity.

End-to-end encryption ensures that only the users themselves can read their messages, preventing service providers or third parties from accessing the content. However, some experts and child safety advocates warn that the technology may create a “safe haven for criminals,” as companies cannot comply with court orders to access encrypted messages—a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “digital disappearance.”