{"id":65668,"date":"2026-03-23T21:16:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T20:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=65668"},"modified":"2026-03-23T21:18:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T20:18:37","slug":"instagram-abandons-encryption-a-risky-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/news\/instagram-kippt-verschluesselung-ein-riskanter-schritt","title":{"rendered":"Instagram abandons encryption: A risky step"},"content":{"rendered":"

Instagram has long since become more than just a platform for photos and videos. Direct messaging is part of everyday life for many. This makes the question of how secure this communication actually is all the more important. Meta's recent decision to abolish a previously implemented encryption feature has drawn criticism and raised fundamental questions about data privacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The introduction of end-to-end encryption has long been considered a necessary step to better protect private communication. Large platforms like Instagram, in particular, find themselves caught between technical feasibility, economic interests, and political pressure. Current developments show that even implemented security measures are not guaranteed to remain in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long road to end-to-end encryption<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Meta began implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for its messaging services back in 2019. At the time, it was openly communicated that this was an extremely complex undertaking. The existing infrastructure for messages and calls had to be almost completely rebuilt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite these challenges, the company made progress. In August 2023, the rollout of E2EE in Facebook Messenger began and was completed by the end of the year. At the same time, Meta announced plans to extend this technology to Instagram as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram DMs: Encryption only as a hidden option<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

However, the implementation on Instagram went differently than expected. End-to-end encryption was not enabled by default, but only offered as an optional feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This option was buried deep in the settings and difficult for many to find. Consequently, its use was low. Many simply didn't know that this option even existed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The abolition of the function<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Instead of improving the feature's visibility or enabling it by default, Meta has reversed course. End-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages is being completely removed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason given was that very few users had activated the feature. Therefore, it will be removed in the coming months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This argument is viewed critically. The accusation is that a function that is difficult to find was deliberately designed to be rarely used. This low usage is then used to justify its removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Criticism of Meta's approach<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Security experts have voiced strong criticism. They believe the feature was designed from the outset to be virtually undetectable. The subsequent explanation of "low usage" appears contradictory in this light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach is considered cynical because it gives the impression that a lack of use was deliberately accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impact on privacy and security<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Instagram's removal of end-to-end encryption has concrete consequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n