According to WSJ sources, Meta will fully encrypt messages on social networking applications Facebook and Instagram by default. However, the Instagram application will be switched to encryption later, possibly in early 2024.

Meta Group has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment on this information.

The above change means that Facebook and Instagram users no longer need to separately enable end-to-end encryption. This feature allows only the sender and recipient to read the message.

Meta says encryption can help keep users safe from hackers, scammers and criminals.

End-to-end encryption is currently a controversial feature among media companies and many governments.

The British government in September called on Meta not to implement encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures in place to protect children from sexual abuse.