Facebook would roll out a new optional feature "end to end encryption" for its Messenger application. However, the end-to-end encryption setting will not be default unlike WhatsApp here users can choose to turn it on.
Facebook said in a post, “We’ve heard from you that there are times when you want additional safeguards — perhaps when discussing private information like an illness or a health issue with trusted friends and family, or sending financial information to an accountant”. “That means the messages are intended just for you and the other person — not anyone else, including us,” it added.
Facebook's vice president David Marcus said, "Providing more ways for people to safely share is an important part of making the world more open and connected."
"Whether you're asking a doctor for medical advice, sending sensitive account information to your spouse, or even your Social Security number, it's important to have options available for sharing these kinds of very sensitive messages."
Feature will enable users to choose the duration for encrypted messages. Facebook says their technology uses the Signal Protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems.
The encrypted messages could only be seen or read on one device. Facebook says that users can keep the secret message feature optional as people would want Messenger to work in different devices, such as a tablet, desktop computer or phone.
The end-to-end encryption don’t support GIFs and videos or making payments.
"Secret conversations are available on a limited test basis right now, but we will be making the option more widely available this summer," the statement said.
But some law enforcement officials and lawmakers have criticized this moves, saying "The strong encryption can allow criminals and other bad actors to operate in secret where traditional wiretaps don't work."
Facebook said in a post, “We’ve heard from you that there are times when you want additional safeguards — perhaps when discussing private information like an illness or a health issue with trusted friends and family, or sending financial information to an accountant”. “That means the messages are intended just for you and the other person — not anyone else, including us,” it added.
Facebook's vice president David Marcus said, "Providing more ways for people to safely share is an important part of making the world more open and connected."
"Whether you're asking a doctor for medical advice, sending sensitive account information to your spouse, or even your Social Security number, it's important to have options available for sharing these kinds of very sensitive messages."
Feature will enable users to choose the duration for encrypted messages. Facebook says their technology uses the Signal Protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems.
The encrypted messages could only be seen or read on one device. Facebook says that users can keep the secret message feature optional as people would want Messenger to work in different devices, such as a tablet, desktop computer or phone.
The end-to-end encryption don’t support GIFs and videos or making payments.
"Secret conversations are available on a limited test basis right now, but we will be making the option more widely available this summer," the statement said.
But some law enforcement officials and lawmakers have criticized this moves, saying "The strong encryption can allow criminals and other bad actors to operate in secret where traditional wiretaps don't work."