Facebook doesn’t have a positive reputation when it comes to safeguarding user privacy. So last year, when Mark Zuckerberg claimed about securing communications that take place over Facebook’s Messenger service, users of the said App were quite relieved. As per Wired however, it doesn’t look like end-to-end encryption on Messenger will be introduced in the foreseeable future.
The reason behind it is said to be the enormous technicalities associated with the proposed change. Incorporating technology to an operational system might be more difficult than it appears. While speaking at a recent Real World Crypto Conference held in New York city, a Facebook engineer mentioned how challenging the process actually is and that end-to-end encryption on Messenger app could take years to get fully ready for use.
You can still use end-to-end encryption on Messenger, provided that you have access to the Secret Conversations Mode.
Last year, it was stated that Facebook Messenger is all set to be integrated with Instagram and WhatsApp to give rise to a secure and single messaging protocol.
Now that it has been said that adding tech to an existing system can be complicated, it will be interesting to find out about the proposed integration plans.
Over the last few years, Facebook has been in hot water for numerous issues such as data breaches, privacy scandals and more! This breach of trust at several occasions has caused many users to consider deleting their Facebook and Messenger accounts. One of the main things stopping them from doing so is the lack of availability of alternate chatting platforms. But wait… it turns out that there are in fact a number of messaging services (with end-to-end encryption enabled) that you can use instead of Messenger!
Some of these services are listed below:
#1 Signal: It offers end-to-end encryption via its own exclusive protocol. Signal is an open-source platform, which means that anyone with a decent skillset can make changes to the code, in case it warrants any improvement. Moreover, this service is hailed for facilitating the self-destruction of messages as well as for boasting a feature that allows users to hide messages surfacing on the lock screen.
#2 Viber: Viber doesn’t need any introduction. With more than 250 million monthly active users, it isn’t hard to figure out why this messaging service is so popular. Although Viber offers end-to-end encryption (and allows you to gauge the security of your chats through colors), it should be clarified that this perk is only available for one to one chats.
#3 Wickr: It is known for adopting end-to-end encryption before it was cool, which speaks volumes about its emphasis on security. Like Signal, Wickr is also an open source platform and is packed with several fascinating features such as permanently deleting files, enabling group and conference calls (supported on Wickr Pro).
Additionally, WhatsApp and Telegram offer end-to-end encryption. So, the variety is there. All you have to do is download any of these Apps on your phone/tablet and enjoy a secure chatting experience.
Photo: Josh Edelson AFP
Read next: Facebook and its Monstrous Policies towards Moderators are Forcing them to Lodge a Case against the Social Network
The reason behind it is said to be the enormous technicalities associated with the proposed change. Incorporating technology to an operational system might be more difficult than it appears. While speaking at a recent Real World Crypto Conference held in New York city, a Facebook engineer mentioned how challenging the process actually is and that end-to-end encryption on Messenger app could take years to get fully ready for use.
You can still use end-to-end encryption on Messenger, provided that you have access to the Secret Conversations Mode.
Last year, it was stated that Facebook Messenger is all set to be integrated with Instagram and WhatsApp to give rise to a secure and single messaging protocol.
Now that it has been said that adding tech to an existing system can be complicated, it will be interesting to find out about the proposed integration plans.
Over the last few years, Facebook has been in hot water for numerous issues such as data breaches, privacy scandals and more! This breach of trust at several occasions has caused many users to consider deleting their Facebook and Messenger accounts. One of the main things stopping them from doing so is the lack of availability of alternate chatting platforms. But wait… it turns out that there are in fact a number of messaging services (with end-to-end encryption enabled) that you can use instead of Messenger!
Some of these services are listed below:
#1 Signal: It offers end-to-end encryption via its own exclusive protocol. Signal is an open-source platform, which means that anyone with a decent skillset can make changes to the code, in case it warrants any improvement. Moreover, this service is hailed for facilitating the self-destruction of messages as well as for boasting a feature that allows users to hide messages surfacing on the lock screen.
#2 Viber: Viber doesn’t need any introduction. With more than 250 million monthly active users, it isn’t hard to figure out why this messaging service is so popular. Although Viber offers end-to-end encryption (and allows you to gauge the security of your chats through colors), it should be clarified that this perk is only available for one to one chats.
#3 Wickr: It is known for adopting end-to-end encryption before it was cool, which speaks volumes about its emphasis on security. Like Signal, Wickr is also an open source platform and is packed with several fascinating features such as permanently deleting files, enabling group and conference calls (supported on Wickr Pro).
Additionally, WhatsApp and Telegram offer end-to-end encryption. So, the variety is there. All you have to do is download any of these Apps on your phone/tablet and enjoy a secure chatting experience.
Photo: Josh Edelson AFP
Read next: Facebook and its Monstrous Policies towards Moderators are Forcing them to Lodge a Case against the Social Network
