Instagram will not offer end-to-end encryption soon: 5 steps you should take right now to stay safe
Users should download their encrypted chats before the feature is removed.
You can limit potential AI data use by submitting a request through Meta’s Privacy Centre.
Features like Vanish Mode and reviewing third-party app access can help improve privacy on Instagram.
In a surprising move, Meta has announced that it will be discontinuing one of the most important features of Instagram, the end-to-end encryption (E2EE). The company stated that the Instagram Direct Messages will not be end-to-end encrypted starting the second week of May. This means that your private messages will no longer be fully protected from Meta’s access. The company stated that it aims to improve safety and content moderation. Anyway, if you want to protect your data
Here are 6 steps you should take right now to protect your privacy and data:
- Download your Encrypted Chats immediately:
Meta will offer in-app instructions to download your existing E2EE messages and media before the feature is removed. You will need to use a computer to get the files downloaded. All you need to do is login and go to Settings and then Your activity and go to the bottom and click on End-to-end Encrypted Data. Now click on next, then and if you set up a PIN for secure storage, you may need to enter it to authenticate your device. Now enter the password and click Request download.
- Enable Secure Storage for backups:
If you want to keep a history of your encrypted chats, start Secure Storage in your settings. This will help you store your encrypted message history remotely and requires a PIN you create to access it from new devices. You can turn on Secure Storage and then go to Messages > End-to-end encrypted chats > Secure storage > Turn on and choose a PIN or Cloud backup method.
- Opt out of AI training:
Many reports suggest that Meta may use non-encrypted DM data to train its AI. You can limit this by disabling the option hidden in the Settings. Currently, you can disable it by going to Settings and searching for Privacy Center. You can then navigate to Privacy Topics and select Generative AI at Meta. Within “How Meta uses information for generative AI models,” opt for “Learn more and submit requests here” for “Right to object.” Fill out the form with your email address, briefly state that you object to your data being used for AI training, and then submit it. While this only applies to your account’s posts and captions so far, it could be useful if Instagram’s AI training includes DMs. However, this is not confirmed yet, but it is a worthy option for your privacy.
- Use Vanish Mode for private chats
While there is no substitute for E2EE, you can use Vanish Mode to ensure that messages are deleted once they have been seen and the chat is closed. All you need to do is swipe up in any chat to enable it for temporary conversations.
- Review and audit Third-Party app access:
Once the encryption is removed, the data shared in DMs may be more dangerous if it is linked to unauthorised third-party apps. You should go to Instagram Security Settings and revoke access to any apps that you no longer use or trust. To do that, you can go to Settings and Activity> Website permissions > Apps and websites. Here you will be able to see and remove any old or suspicious third-party apps with access to your data.
