Instagram is ending end-to-end encrypted chats amid child safety concerns, but what does the change actually mean for your DMs?
Instagram is scrapping its private direct message feature, retreating from a privacy push that Meta once promoted under the slogan “the future is private”.
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Meta wrote on its Instagram help page that end-to-end encryption will end on May 8. Once the feature is switched off, messages on Instagram will be moved back to standard encryption, meaning that Meta will be able to access message content when needed.
End‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) is one of the most secure forms of online messaging, helping keep conversations and bank transactions private. It allows only the sender and recipient to view messages.
E2EE is the default on Signal, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Apple's iMessage, and Google Messages. Telegram offers it as an option while Snapchat uses it for direct message photos and videos, and has previously said it plans to extend it to text.
In 2019, Meta pledged to introduce end‑to‑end encryption across messaging on Facebook and Instagram, and completed the rollout on Facebook Messenger in 2023.
But the expansion of end‑to‑end encryption has drawn concern from governments and child safety organisations.
“In the case of child sexual abuse (CSA) online, these systems [end‑to‑end encryption] hide data from children who are being abused or coerced into sexual abuse, leading to a failure to pursue these crimes,” according to a 2023 report from the European Parliamentary Research Service.
What it means for users
As of 8 May, users globally will no longer have the option to turn on ultra-private direct messages. Meta had originally released the feature as an option users could choose, with plans to make it the default.
Instead, Instagram will now only offer standard encryption. This means messages are still protected while they move between users and the platform, but Meta may be able to access content of direct messages, including images, videos and voice notes. Standard encryption is also widely used for services such as Gmail and TikTok.
Meta told reporters the decision was taken after limited uptake of the feature.
But turning off end-to-end encryption could make it technically easier for Meta to process message content for artificial intelligence features or targeted advertising.
Meta clarified to fact-checking outlet Snopes in November 2025 that direct messages are not used to train its artificial intelligence, after claims spread online that the company was feeding private messages into its AI systems.
What can users do now?
Users who have opted to activate the end‑to‑end encryption feature will be able to download media or messages they wish to keep, according to Meta.
But users should treat DMs differently and put sensitive or private information, such as financial details, on platforms where end-to-end encryption is switched on by default.
