Meta announced on Thursday that it will be implementing end-to-end encryption for both calls and messages on its Facebook and Messenger platforms in New York.

This type of encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient, and not even Meta, can understand the content of people’s messages. Encrypted conversations, which were originally offered as an optional feature in Messenger in 2016, will now be the default for all users, according to Loredana Crisan, the head of Messenger.

“It has been a lengthy process to bring this to fruition as we have taken the time to ensure its accuracy,” stated Crisan in a blog post. “Our team of engineers, cryptographers, designers, policy experts, and product managers have dedicated countless hours to reconstructing features in Messenger from the foundation.”

In 2019, Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a commitment to implement end-to-end encryption on the company’s platforms. This decision was prompted by a series of scandals, including the unauthorized access of user data by Cambridge Analytica on Facebook. More recently, privacy advocates have raised concerns about Meta’s privacy practices after investigators in Nebraska examined private Facebook messages during an investigation into an abortion that violated a state ban on abortions after 20 weeks.

According to Meta, the WhatsApp platform already uses encryption to protect messages and this new feature can further ensure the safety of users from potential threats such as hackers, scammers, and criminals.

In the meantime, those who oppose encryption, law enforcement, and a Meta report from 2022 have all raised concerns about the dangers of stronger encryption. These include the potential for users to exploit privacy measures to harm children, facilitate human trafficking, and spread hateful speech.

Susie Hargreaves, the chief executive of Internet Watch Foundation, expressed concern about the impact on children who have experienced sexual abuse if Meta chooses not to prioritize protecting their privacy. She also questioned how the company could justify allowing illegal and harmful content to be shared on their platforms. Hargreaves acknowledged that Meta has been successful in detecting and preventing child sexual abuse material, and urged them to continue this important work.

The updated functions will be accessible right away, however, Crisan stated that it may take a while for the privacy feature to be implemented for all users.

Source: wral.com