Instagram has officially ended support for end-to-end encrypted direct messages, meaning private chats on the platform are no longer fully encrypted.

The feature, which was introduced as an optional setting in 2023, stopped functioning from May 8, 2026. Users who previously enabled encrypted chats reportedly received notifications informing them that the feature would no longer be available.

End-to-end encryption allows only the sender and receiver to read messages, preventing even the platform itself from accessing chat contents. With the removal of the feature, Instagram messages can now potentially be accessed and moderated under Meta’s systems and policies.

The decision has triggered discussions online, especially among privacy advocates, journalists, and users concerned about digital security. Many social media users described the move as a major step backward for online privacy.

Meta reportedly stated that encrypted messaging on Instagram saw limited usage and that the company would continue focusing encrypted communication through WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption remains enabled by default.

While regular users can still send messages normally, experts advise people handling sensitive conversations to use platforms such as Signal or WhatsApp for stronger privacy protection.