Chats no longer private as instagram is ending end-to-end encryption for direct messages

Instagram is set to remove end-to-end encryption from its direct messages starting May 8, 2026, meaning private chats on the platform will no longer be fully protected. The change was quietly announced by Meta, and it means the company will be able to access message content that was previously locked between sender and receiver.

End-to-end encryption ensures only the people in a conversation can read messages, not even the platform itself. Once removed, that layer of privacy disappears. Meta says the decision was based on low usage of the feature, while also facing years of pressure from law enforcement and child safety groups who argued encryption makes it harder to detect harmful activity.

The move is already sparking backlash from privacy advocates, who warn this could open the door to increased surveillance, data use for ads, and less secure communication overall. Users who want encrypted messaging are now being directed to apps like WhatsApp instead, which still supports full encryption.