Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, announced on Wednesday that it has initiated the rollout of end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook.
While the feature is available for immediate use, the company mentioned that it might take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption.
Previously, Messenger users had the option to activate end-to-end encryption on a per-message basis. However, with this update, messages will be encrypted by default, ensuring that only the sender and recipients can access and read the content.
Meta Platforms, known for its encrypted messaging app WhatsApp, emphasises that encryption enhances user safety by protecting them from hackers, fraudsters, and criminal activities.
The implementation of end-to-end encryption in messaging services has been a topic of debate between tech companies and governments. In September, the British government urged Meta Platforms not to introduce encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without incorporating safety measures to protect children from potential exploitation and abuse.