Adds details from the report and backgroundDec 6 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms META.O will start fully encrypting messages on Facebook and Instagram by default, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The social-media giant this week will begin automatically shifting Facebook users to end-to-end encryption for their messages, rolling out the change over the course of weeks, the WSJ reported. Direct messages on Instagram also will shift to such encryption by default somewhat later, likely in the New Year, the report said. Meta, whose WhatsApp platform already encrypts messages, has said encryption can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters and criminals. The British government had urged Meta back in September not to roll out encryption on Instagram and Facebook Messenger without safety measures to protect children from sexual abuse.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 07, 2023 07:37 UTC