Meta is discontinuing its end-to-end encryption option for Instagram DMs. The company announced this adjustment on its support page and via in-app notifications to users, indicating:

“End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be available after May 8, 2026. If your chats are impacted by this update, you will receive guidance on how to download any media or messages you wish to preserve. If you’re using an outdated version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.”

Meta representative Dina El-Kassaby Luce informed The Verge that the feature is being phased out due to “very few people” utilizing it. With end-to-end encryption active for both parties, DMs and calls are inaccessible to outside parties, including Meta, unless shared.

Meta and other tech firms have faced backlash for both sharing user communications with external entities, including law enforcement, and for providing end-to-end encryption, which some critics argue allows child predators to interact with minors without detection. TikTok, for instance, does not provide end-to-end encryption for user DMs, citing safety concerns and the necessity of making chat data available to law enforcement and internal teams to ensure user safety.

For those still seeking end-to-end encryption, Meta’s spokesperson recommends using WhatsApp, although it is not completely immune to breaches either. Meta states that end-to-end encryption will continue to be accessible on Messenger.