It means that Meta will now be able to access or monitor content in users’ private, direct messages, including old ones. In an update, Instagram has advised users to “download any media or messages that you may want to keep”. The move comes despite Instagram’s sibling app, WhatsApp touting encryption as a core reason to use the service to protect users’ privacy. Messenger also uses privacy encryption by default to reassure users. A company spokesperson told the Irish Independent that it is removing the privacy feature on Instagram because not enough account-holders used it.

Source: Irish Independent March 16, 2026 15:56 UTC