Instagram has officially discontinued its optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for direct messages globally, reversing its previous commitment to enhanced user privacy.

• Instagram is now relying on standard encryption for direct messages, potentially allowing Meta to access message content.
• Meta, whose CEO Mark Zuckerberg championed private messaging, cited low usage of the E2EE feature as the reason for the change.
• This shift marks a significant departure from Meta's previous privacy strategy, impacting user trust and conversations around secure communication on major social media platforms.