Social media platform, Facebook, is adding end-to-end encryption feature for voice and video calls done through its Messenger app.
In an announcement made via a blog post, the company said that it is rolling out the change alongside new controls for its disappearing messages.
Facebook Messenger got end-to-end encryption technology for text messages way back in 2016. This happened when Facebook added the “secret conversation” option to the app.
The security feature has now been extended, to supports both voice and video calling.
The social media company says it decided to add the feature due to the growing interest in voice and video calls. The company added that Facebook Messenger now processes more than 150 million video calls a day.
WhatsApp messenger, which is another app in Facebook’s bag, already offers calling with end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
The end-to-end encryption technology works by encrypting information, and preventing anyone else, aside the sender and receiver of the message, from seeing the content of the message sent.
Earlier rumors have suggested that Facebook might roll out a unified, end-to-end encrypted messaging system across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram — but so far, that hasn’t happened.
Text conversations are also getting a minor security update. Users are now presented with the option of setting a shorter time for messages to self-destruct.
Read also: WhatsApp introduces “View Once” feature to its Android and iOS apps
Initially, users have the option of setting 15 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours for messages to disappear. With the new update, users get shorter options that falls better 5 seconds and 24 hours.
Although, everyone will see the updates above, Facebook is running a limited beta test of other features.
Some users are sure to see an option for end-to-end encrypted group chats and calls between “friends and family that already have an existing chat thread or are already connected.”
Other users, however, will get support for Facebook’s existing non-E2EE controls over who can reach them on Messenger. And finally, if you use Instagram, a “limited test” will offer opt-in end-to-end encryption technology for that app’s direct messages as well.
It seems Facebook is a little late for the party as other video calling apps like Zoom, Signal, and Apple’s FaceTime, already have end-to-end encryption technology activated for in-app conversations.
