Meta has announced that it is rolling out default end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls on Messenger. End-to-end encryption offers an additional layer of security, ensuring that the content of your messages and calls remains protected from the moment they leave your device until they reach the recipient’s device. This implies that nobody, including Meta, can access or view the sent or communicated content unless you opt to report a message.
“Since 2016, Messenger has had the option for people to turn on end-to-end encryption, but we’re now changing private chats and calls across Messenger to be end-to-end encrypted by default,” the company announced in a blogpost on December 6.
Also read: Why Meta pulls plug on Instagram and Facebook cross-messaging
Along with the default end-to-end encryption, Messenger is also getting new features. Let’s take a look at all new updates.
You can now edit messages on Messenger within a 15-minute window after sending them, allowing you to correct errors or make changes as needed.
It’s important to note that even in edited messages, if there’s a need to report abuse, you can do that and Meta will be able to see the previous versions of the edited message.
Messages set to disappear on Messenger now have a duration of 24 hours after being sent. Additionally, the company is improving the interface to make it easier to tell when disappearing messages are turned on. This improvement aims to assure users that their messages remain secure and won’t stick forever.
Note that disappearing messages on Messenger are exclusively accessible for end-to-end encrypted conversations. Despite this limitation, you can still report disappearing messages if you receive something inappropriate. Moreover, you will now be notified if someone takes a screenshot of a disappearing message.
The new read receipt control allows you to decide if you want others to see when you have read their messages.
Each day, over 1.3 billion photos and videos are shared on Messenger, the company said. To enhance user experience, Meta has now streamlined access to photos and videos, improved image quality, added fun layouts, and introduced additional controls.
The company is also testing HD media and file sharing improvements with a small group of users and plans to scale them in the coming months.
On Messenger, you can now play voice messages at 1.5x or 2x speeds, pick up listening to a voice message from where you left off, and continue listening to a voice message when you navigate away from the chat or the app.
