Privacy at risk? Instagram to kill end-to-end encrypted DMs this May

Instagram users may soon find their private messages a little less private.

The platform will soon remove end-to-end encrypted messaging from its direct messages feature.

The change surfaced in an update on Instagram’s Help Center page. PiunikaWeb first highlighted the development.

The update confirms that Instagram will discontinue end-to-end encrypted messaging for DMs on May 8, 2026.

Users with affected chats will receive instructions to download their conversations and media.

The decision stands out because many messaging platforms are expanding encryption protections. Instagram is now moving in the opposite direction.

Encryption support ending

Instagram confirmed the timeline in its Help Center documentation.

The platform warned users to export messages before the change takes effect.

“End-to-end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after May 8, 2026.”

The company said users with affected chats will see prompts explaining how to save data before the deadline.

“If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep.”

The platform also warned that some users may need to update the app first.

“If you’re on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.”

The update did not specify how many users currently rely on encrypted chats.

Instagram previously rolled out E2EE for DMs as an optional feature focused on private conversations.

Meta has not explained why Instagram plans to remove the feature.

The company also has not clarified whether it will replace E2EE with another encryption approach.

Without end-to-end encryption, Meta could access message content stored on its systems.

That change may allow the company to analyze private conversations.

One possible motivation involves efforts to detect illegal…