what you should Know
- Meta is testing secure backups for end-to-end encrypted Messenger chats.
- Messenger will also make E2E chats encrypted by default for some people.
- The company is also rolling out more tests of its E2E encrypted messages.
Meta is rolling out a number of tests to make end-to-end encryption a dominant security feature on Facebook Messenger, including secure storage to back up your end-to-end encrypted chat history.
This week, Facebook began testing a secure storage feature that makes it easier to access your Messenger conversation history if you lose your device or want to restore your chat history on a new phone.
End-to-end encrypted chats are currently stored on your device. With secure storage, you can choose to restore your messages with two end-to-end encrypted options. One method is to create a PIN or generate a code. You can also choose to use third-party cloud services such as Google Drive to restore your conversation history.
Sarah Su, director of Meta product management for Messenger Trust, wrote in a blog post (opens in new tab) that this feature “will be the default way to protect your end-to-end encrypted Messenger conversation history “.
This experimental secure repository is rolling out to Android phones and iOS devices. However, the feature is not yet available on the Messenger desktop app or site, nor is it available in chats that are not end-to-end encrypted. There is no need to take any action if you are a member of the test group. This will also be true when the feature becomes available to everyone in 2023.
(Image credit: Meta)
In addition to secure storage, Meta is rolling out updates to Messenger’s end-to-end encrypted features.
Messenger’s end-to-end encryption is currently turned on, which means you’ll have to choose to enable it. The service is now testing end-to-end encrypted chats by default with some users.
Messenger is also experimenting with syncing deleted messages across your devices and authenticating your web code when accessing the platform’s desktop site. It also tests the ability to unsend messages and provides end-to-end encrypted chat features in group chats and other countries.
Meta also intends to end disappearing mode while retaining the disappearing message feature for end-to-end encrypted chats.
The company will also launch its end-to-end encryption test on Instagram DMs. It started last year, although it was only available as an opt-in setting. Meta introduced the feature in Ukraine and Russia last February. The new test will be available to everyone in more countries.
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