Facebook now allows Messenger voice and video calls to be encrypted using end-to–end encryption.Since 2016, end-to-end encryption (E2EE), a security feature that prevents third parties from listening in on chats and calls, has been available to text conversations on Facebook's flagship messaging service. Facebook has been under pressure by governments to reduce its end-to–end encryption plans. However, this feature is now available for text conversations on Facebook's flagship messaging service Messenger. This means that no one, not even Facebook, can hear or see what is being said or sent.Apps like WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption to protect personal conversations from hackers and criminals. Ruth Kricheli (director of product management at Messenger) stated this in a blog post. It is becoming a standard industry practice and acts like a lock and keys, where only you and those in the chat or phone have access to the conversation.Facebook is also working on other E2EE features. Facebook plans to launch public testing of end-to–end encryption for Messenger group chats and calls within the next weeks. In addition, it is planning a limited test for E2EE for Instagram direct messaging. Participants in the trial can opt-in for end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls for one on one conversations via the photo-sharing platform.The social media giant is updating its expiring message feature. This is similar to Facebook's ephemeral messaging feature. People can now choose how long it takes for new messages to disappear. This is available from five seconds up to 24 hours.People expect messaging apps to be private and secure. These new features give them more control over how private and confidential they wish to keep their chats and calls, Kricheli said.Facebook's E2EE rollout plans are being increased just days after it changed its privacy settings.
