There is no doubt that Facebook is the largest social media network on the planet. It is used by tons of people every day, which generates millions of messages. But it’s not just about posting cat pics or funny memes.

Many also rely on the network as a communication tool. According to a 2019 statistic, up to 20 billion messages are sent between individuals and businesses each month. And although Facebook Messenger is an extremely popular choice, you can also make voice calls through it.

But for all the good Facebook has done, it has also been repeatedly criticized for questionable privacy and security methods. It might have taken a long time, but the company is changing the way Messenger works. And for once, that’s a good thing.

Here is the backstory

Communication tools like Signal, Telegram, and even Facebook-owned WhatsApp use a security protocol called end-to-end encryption. Technology makes it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to intercept messages, which can then be exploited.

In theory, with encryption, at no time during round trip messaging can texts be seen, read, or edited by the application host. While the most popular communication apps already have end-to-end encryption, it is now coming to Facebook Messenger.

How Facebook Messenger Encryption Affects You

Messenger update has started rolling out, so be on the lookout for an app update. You will have a new option to make voice and video calls via end-to-end encryption when it goes live.

Facebook is quick to point out that text messages have been encrypted since 2016 and that the new update includes voice and video calls. The reason? The company said it has seen “an increase in the use of audio and video calls with more than 150 million video calls per day on Messenger.”

How to start a secret conversation on Messenger:

• Open Facebook Messenger.
• Of Discussions, press the box with the pencil inside which is at the top right.
• Faucet Secret top right.
• Select who you want to send a message to.
• If desired, press the the clock in the text box and set a timer to dismiss the messages.

If you are lucky enough to be one of the chosen few, Facebook will add additional features that it is currently testing. Some users will soon benefit from end-to-end encrypted group chats and calls in Messenger. So make sure your app is updated to see if it’s already available to you.

Several tests will also be run on Instagram, with some users having the option of opting for end-to-end encryption for direct messages from the photo-sharing app.

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