Meta initiates full encryption for Facebook, Messenger

Meta Platforms announced the commencement of the rollout of end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger and Facebook on Wednesday. The new encryption feature is immediately available, marking a shift from the previous option to manually enable end-to-end encryption. 

Although the feature is live, it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption.

While Messenger had previously allowed users to turn on end-to-end encryption on a per-message basis, this update makes it the default setting for all messages. 

Meta, which already employs end-to-end encryption on its WhatsApp platform, emphasises that encryption enhances user safety by protecting them from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals.

The implementation of end-to-end encryption has been a source of debate between tech companies and governments. 

In September, the British government urged Meta not to introduce encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without incorporating safety measures to protect children from potential risks of sexual abuse.

(With Reuters Inputs)