Dive Brief:
- Facebook announced it is testing end-to-end encryption within Messenger.
- The new feature will allow users to create "secret" conversations that can be read on only one device and which remain visible for only a specified period of time.
- Facebook said it is doing so in order to "better support conversations about sensitive topics," according to a company announcement.
Dive Insight:
Facebook said although Messenger already uses strong security, some users have asked for additional safeguards. Using the new feature, Messenger users can control how long a message they send remains visible. The secret messages currently support plain text messages only.
Facebook said it plans to make the option more widely available this summer.
The technology works to better protect-consumers and represents the broader shift toward more secure online systems. Rather than hope a message stays private, many companies are rolling out safeguards to ensure they do.
In April, Facebook-owned WhatsApp announced that all messages sent on the mobile messaging application will now have end-to-end encryption for all calls, messages, photos, videos, files and voice messages. WhatsApp added the increased security because of expectations that, in the future, more people's digital information and communication will be vulnerable to attack, the company said.
Since Apple’s high-profile battle with the Department of Justice, encryption has become a selling point for both consumers and businesses alike. However, companies that encrypt communications could hit other snags, as bills have recently been introduced that would allow judges to order tech companies to comply with law enforcement requests to access data on encrypted devices.
