The company completed the rollout on Facebook Messenger in 2023 and later made the feature optional on Instagram with plans to make it default.
But, after seven years, Meta has decided not to proceed with the wider deployment to Instagram, which will now only offer standard encryption.
Standard encryption means an internet service provider can access private material if needed. It is the common system in most major online services such as Gmail.
The decision has been welcomed by child protection groups, including the NSPCC, which has long warned the technology could put children at risk.
“We are really pleased,” said Rani Govender from the charity, adding E2EE “can allow perpetrators to evade detection, enabling the grooming and abuse of children to go unseen.”
Privacy campaigners, however, say the move represents a step backwards.
Years-long fight
Since 2019, Meta has defended its plans amid criticism, while working through the technical challenge of bringing the technology to Facebook and Instagram.
The company did not publicly announce its decision to abandon plans for the Instagram rollout.
Instead, it quietly updated the app’s terms and conditions in March.
“End‑to‑end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8 May 2026.
“If you have chats affected by this change, you will see instructions on how to download any media or messages you may wish to keep,” it said.
Meta told reporters the decision was taken because too few users were opting in to use the feature.
But commentators say take‑up of optional features is often low, as requiring users to opt in creates extra friction.
Some analysts, including cyber security expert Victoria Baines, professor of IT at Gresham College, believe the decision reflects a shift in Meta’s attitude towards privacy.
“Social media platforms monetise our communications — our posts, likes and messages — so they can serve targeted advertising,” she said.
“And increasingly, companies like Meta are focusing on training AI models, for which messaging data can be extremely valuable. I think the decision is more complex.”
Instagram has previously said direct messages are not used to train AI.
The company declined to comment further on its decision to reverse course on privacy, and Instagram boss Adam Mosseri declined to be interviewed.
Last month, Meta told staff their clicks and activity on work devices would begin to be collected as training data for the company’s AI models.
Campaigners such as Big Brother Watch say Meta’s decision could influence the wider social media industry.
However, in March, TikTok told the BBC it had no plans to introduce the technology for direct messages.
Fourteen days later, Instagram updated its terms and conditions to confirm it would not proceed with its rollout.
Commentators including Baines believe these decisions may slow the spread of E2EE, leaving it largely confined to dedicated messaging apps in the future. (BBC)
