Meta to drop Instagram DM encryption, sparking surveillance and privacy concerns

Meta Platforms will remove end-to-end encryption from Instagram direct messages starting May 8, 2026, allowing it to access message content. The company said low user adoption of the feature led to the decision after it was introduced as an opt-in option in 2023. The move comes amid increasing pressure from global regulators and law enforcement agencies to curb online crime and protect minors. However, privacy advocates warn that the change could expose user conversations to greater risks, including surveillance and data misuse. The decision also signals a strategic shift as Meta focuses encrypted messaging on WhatsApp while positioning Instagram as a content-driven platform.