Meta discontinues end-to-end encryption on Instagram

Meta is pulling its end-to-end encryption option on Instagram DMs.

The company announced the change in an update to its support page and via alerts to users in the app, writing:

End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026.

If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep.

If you're on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.

Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce told The Verge that the company was discontinuing the feature because "very few people" were using it. With end-to-end encryption enabled for both users, DMs and calls aren't visible to outside actors, including Meta, unless they're shared.

Meta and other tech leaders have come under fire for turning over user communications to outside entities, including law enforcement. But they have also received flak for offering end-to-end encryption to users across the board, with some critics saying that the feature enables child predators to target and communicate with minors undetected.

TikTok, for example, does not offer end-to-end encryption for user DMs and explained to the BBC that the decision is the result of numerous safety considerations. The company told the outlet that providing law enforcement and internal training teams with chat data keeps users safe.

For users who still want end-to-end encryption, Meta's spokesperson says to turn to WhatsApp — but the Meta-owned messaging service isn't entirely safe from intrusions, either. Meta says end-to-end encryption will still be available on Messenger.