The company stated the feature wasn’t favored by users.
Meta is removing its end-to-end encryption option for Instagram DMs. The update was announced via its support page and notifications to users, stating:
End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will end after May 8, 2026. Users impacted by this can download any media or messages they wish to keep, and those on an older version of Instagram may need to update the app to do so.
Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce explained to The Verge that the feature was discontinued due to low usage. With end-to-end encryption, messages and calls are not visible to anyone, including Meta, unless shared.
Meta and other tech companies have been criticized for allowing user communications to be accessed by outside entities, like law enforcement. On the other hand, they have been criticized for providing end-to-end encryption, as it may allow undetected communications by child predators.
TikTok, for instance, does not offer end-to-end encryption for DMs, citing various safety considerations and the need for law enforcement access to keep users safe.
For those preferring end-to-end encryption, Meta advises using WhatsApp, though this service isn’t completely safe from intrusions, either. However, Messenger will still support end-to-end encryption.