Facebook Messenger launches new end-to-end encryption features, adds Snapchat-style screenshot notification

JAN 28: Meta announces that Facebook Messenger end-to-end encrypted chats and calls have even more features. For the past eight years, users had to choose between E2EE and having all functions available on a chat, but not anymore.

According to Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg (via The Verge), Facebook Messenger is now adding new features for end-to-end encrypted chats.

As of default, Facebook Messenger chats aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means you have to turn on this feature. For example, you can opt-in to the secure chat or toggle the lock icon when you start a new chat. Either way, Meta is now adding more functions to encrypted chats, such as GIFs, stickers, and reactions.

It’s also possible to long-press to reply or forward messages. The Verge notes that “encrypted chats also now support verified badges so that people can identify authentic accounts.”

Last but not least, there’s a new Snapchat-style screenshot notification. If you’re in an end-to-end encrypted chat and you take a screenshot, Messenger will let the other user know in the chat that a screenshot has been taken.

Although Messenger is receiving some improvements regarding E2EE, Meta still plans to make all chats encrypted by 2023 when it combines Instagram and Messenger conversations.