In this photo illustration, the Instagram logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via ) (SOPA Images via ) Meta is killing end-to-end encryption in Instagram DMs.

Instagram will stop supporting end-to-end encryption in May, and affected messages may need to be downloaded beforehand.

Meta is set to withdraw support for end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram, marking another shift in the company’s long-running approach to private messaging. According to Instagram’s own help pages,

Meta has removed end-to-end encryption from Instagram DMs, allowing message monitoring for safety and fraud prevention. This raises privacy concerns; experts recommend using WhatsApp or Signal for fully secure chats.

Instagram is preparing to discontinue end-to-end encrypted direct messages, marking a surprising shift in Meta’s messaging strategy after years of

Instagram will end end-to-end encrypted DMs on May 8, 2026, allowing Meta to scan private messages and raising fresh privacy concerns.