Facebook may finally be adding this vital security tool to Messenger TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Facebook may finally be adding this vital security tool to Messenger By Craig Hale published 15 August 2022 Messenger may soon get end-to-end encryption at last (Image credit: Meta) Audio player loading… Meta has announced it is soon adding end-to-end encryption by default to its Facebook Messenger platform, with tests "between some people" already taking place. End-to-end encrypted messages can currently be enabled individually for each chat, however the company is set to roll this out on a wider scale. "Conversations are currently stored on your device," says Meta Trust's Product Management Director, Sara Su, whose company is seeking a solution to "back up those messages in case you lose your phone or want to restore your message history on a new, supported device" with secure storage. Facebook Messenger encryption It seems that Facebook's messaging platform is succumbing to pressures for increased security, which has become the norm in recent years with apps like Signal setting the benchmark. Meta's own WhatsApp has also long supported encrypted messaging. Along with the Facebook-based Messenger, Meta is also testing end-to-end encryption in direct messages sent through Instagram.Read more> Check out the best encrypted messaging apps > Why Messenger doesn't need you to trust in Meta any longer > Messenger chatbot abused to steal Facebook passwords End-to-end encryption has become a favoured default by many thanks to its security enhancements: while hackers can still gain unwanted access to a certain degree, sensitive data like locations are much harder to crack. That said, there are concerns that encryption could get in the way of law enforcement, as not even Meta will be able to access your conversations under its new proposals. Moving forward, Meta has hinted at encrypted calls which, when combined with messages, could see the company expand its communications channels into the corporate world - meaning further announcements regarding encrypted messages and calls expected in 2023. Stay safe online with the best identity theft protection tools Via The Verge (opens in new tab) Craig Hale With several years' experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig's specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the electrification of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value! See more Computing news Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to theTechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. MOST POPULARMOST SHARED1PC gamers are shunning high-end GPUs – spelling trouble for the Nvidia RTX 40902Canon's next mirrorless camera could be too cheap for its own good3Amazon Prime members can get a great Lord of the Rings game for free this month4A whole new breed of SSDs is about to break through5There's finally a fix to this serious Microsoft Teams problem1Con le RTX 4000 ho capito che Nvidia ha perso la testa2Canon's next mirrorless camera could be too cheap for its own good3PC gamers are shunning high-end GPUs – spelling trouble for the Nvidia RTX 40904IT pros suffer from serious misconceptions about Microsoft 365 security5A whole new breed of SSDs is about to break through Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)● (opens in new tab)The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviewsFrom$12.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)