Instagram users will no longer be able to send ultra‑private direct messages, as the feature is switched off globally.
The removal of end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) on messages amounts to a major U‑turn by parent company Meta, which previously championed the tech as the gold standard for user privacy.
E2EE is the most secure form of online messaging how many games in premier league - allowing only the sender and recipient to view messages - but has long been opposed by campaigners who say it allows extreme content to be spread online without the authorities being able to intervene.
That means Meta's decision has been welcomed by groups including children's charities 911 - but condemned by privacy advocates.
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