Meta’s DM encryption plan is now raising concerns. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other crime-fighting agencies are now urging the tech firm to stop this.
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Facebook co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill April 11, 2018 in Washington, DC.
The global alliance Virtual Global Taskforce explained why Meta’s goal to make E2EE encryption a default feature is concerning.
VGT, which is chaired by the National Crime Agency (NCA), is made up of 15 agencies; FBI, EUROPOL, INTERPOL, AFP, and other anti-crime organizations.
U.K. NCA explained that the default E2EE plan of Meta can weaken the safety systems of Instagram and Facebook.
Once this happens, young social media users can be put at risk.
Meta’s DM Encryption Plan Criticized
According to The Guardian‘s latest report, Meta’s plan to make E2EE a default feature will prevent anyone from accessing direct messages on the company’s online platforms.
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A photo of the META logo during the US social network Instagram opening on a tablet screen in Moscow on November 11, 2021. – Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg announced the parent company’s name is being changed to “Meta” to represent a future beyond just its troubled social network.
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This means that DMs will be exclusive to senders and receivers. However, this could also prevent crime-fighting agencies from checking the DMs that young users receive.
NCMEC (American National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) said that VGT hadn’t identified any safety system from Meta before the E2EE became a default feature.
On the other hand, a Meta spokesperson explained why they want to make the end-to-end encryption default.
“We don’t think people want us reading their private messages, so have developed safety measures that prevent, detect, and allow us to take action against this heinous abuse while maintaining online privacy and security,” said the tech giant firm.
Making E2EE a Default Feature
As of writing, the end-to-end encryption is already available on Meta’s Messenger app. However, this privacy feature is still optional.
Ars Technica reported that Meta wants to make E2EE default before 2023 ends. The tech firm added that it will provide regular updates so that users will know the progress of their effort.
Aside from Messenger, Meta also plans to make E2EE a default feature on IG direct messages. However, Instagram is not expected to receive this enhancement this 2023.
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