Messenger added end-to-end encryption by default – Kommersant

Messenger messaging service (owned by Meta, which is recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation and is banned) implemented support for end-to-end encryption. Calls and personal chats will have end-to-end encryption by default, while encryption of group chats will be optional. Implementing end-to-end encryption means Meta will lose access to user data.

The company explained that they wanted to do everything right, so it took years to implement the feature. Messenger’s end-to-end encryption feature was first tested in 2016. In 2021, it became possible to encrypt video and audio calls; in 2022, the function was introduced for individual chats, but at will.

The development of the new feature was also delayed because it was necessary to rebuild the chat storage and sticker libraries. Another Meta-owned messenger, WhatsApp, also has end-to-end encryption enabled by default.

In March 2023, Facebook began test a new feature that will allow users to send private messages without leaving the application or using Messenger.

Evgeniy Fedunenko