Your Instagram DMs Won’t Be Encrypted Soon—Why?
News Desk
Islamabad: Meta has announced that it will discontinue the end-to-end encryption option for direct messages on Instagram starting May 8, 2026, citing low user adoption of the feature.
The encryption option was introduced in 2021 as part of the company’s broader push toward a more private social media ecosystem. However, the company now says only a small percentage of users enabled the feature, prompting the decision to remove it.
In a statement, Meta said that “very few people were opting in to end-to-end encrypted messaging in DMs,” adding that the option will therefore be phased out from Instagram.
Users who previously enabled encrypted chats will soon receive guidance on how to download their messages and media before the feature is permanently removed.
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For people seeking stronger privacy protections, Meta is encouraging them to use WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption is enabled by default for all messages and calls.
On Instagram, encrypted messaging was not automatically activated and required users to manually switch it on. The company has not announced any alternative privacy feature to replace the discontinued option.
The move has sparked concern among digital privacy advocates, who argue that removing encryption reduces choices for users who prefer secure communication channels.
The development also comes shortly after TikTok said it would not introduce encrypted direct messages on its platform, stating that such technology could make it harder for law-enforcement agencies and safety teams to review messages when necessary.
Experts warn that the trend could signal a shift by major social media platforms toward prioritizing moderation and safety oversight over private messaging features.
Up to 20% Jobs at Risk at Meta
Meta Platforms is reportedly weighing a major workforce reduction as soaring investments in artificial intelligence place increasing financial pressure on the company.
According to a report by Reuters, Meta’s leadership has discussed plans with senior executives to cut a significant portion of its staff, potentially affecting up to 20% of the company’s workforce. While the plan has not been formally confirmed, such a move could impact around 15,800 employees.
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The potential layoffs come as the social media giant ramps up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure in a bid to compete with industry leaders such as OpenAI and Google.
Sources familiar with the discussions say roles tied to repetitive or easily automated tasks could face the greatest risk if the cuts go ahead. Analysts also suggest that Meta’s experimental technologies could come under scrutiny.
In particular, the company’s Reality Labs division, responsible for developing metaverse technologies, has reportedly been under pressure after burning billions of dollars with limited financial returns.
Industry observers believe that if layoffs occur, they could disproportionately affect management layers, including project managers and coordinators, echoing the company’s previous restructuring efforts.
Between 2022 and 2023, Meta eliminated around 21,000 jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at flattening management structures and improving efficiency.
Despite the uncertainty, employees working on artificial intelligence — including engineers, researchers and product managers — are widely viewed as the most secure within the company, as Meta accelerates efforts to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI race.
The discussions highlight the growing tension across the tech industry as companies balance massive AI investment with cost control and organisational restructuring.
