Dubai: Instagram users around the world, including in the UAE, will no longer be able to use end-to-end encrypted direct messages from today, May 8, 2026. The feature, introduced by Meta in late 2023 as an optional privacy setting, is being discontinued due to low user adoption, according to reports monitored by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Malayalam radio station.
With the change, Instagram chats will return to standard encryption. This means messages will still be protected while being transmitted online, but Meta will technically be able to access message content when required. Texts, photos, videos and voice notes shared through Instagram DMs will no longer have the highest level of private messaging protection.
End-to-end encryption allows only the sender and receiver to read messages, preventing even the platform itself from viewing the content. Without it, Instagram remains secure for regular conversations, but it may not be suitable for highly sensitive or confidential communication.
What Changes From Today
Users who previously enabled encrypted chats on Instagram will see the option removed starting today. Meta says affected users will receive in-app notifications explaining how to download conversations or media they wish to save before the feature is fully disabled.
Some users may need to update the Instagram app to access the download option.
The update does not make Instagram messages public, but privacy experts say users should now be more cautious when sharing personal information through DMs.
Why Meta Is Removing the Feature
Meta says very few users were actively using encrypted DMs on Instagram. The company is instead encouraging users who want stronger privacy protections to use WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption remains enabled by default for both chats and calls.
Privacy advocates, however, argue that many users were unaware the Instagram feature even existed because it had to be manually switched on and was not widely promoted.
Child Safety Groups Welcome the Move
The decision has been supported by several child safety organisations and law enforcement agencies. These groups have long argued that end-to-end encryption can make it harder to detect online abuse, grooming and the sharing of illegal content through private messaging platforms.
The move also comes just days before the US Take It Down Act takes effect on May 19, 2026. The law requires social media platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images and AI-generated deepfake content within 48 hours after receiving a complaint.
Meta has not officially connected the Instagram decision to the upcoming law.
What Users Should Do
Users who rely on Instagram’s encrypted chats are advised to check the app for notifications and back up important conversations or media as soon as possible.
For sensitive communication, experts recommend switching to platforms such as WhatsApp or Signal, both of which continue to offer end-to-end encryption by default or as a core feature.
From today onward, users are being advised to avoid sharing sensitive documents, financial information or highly personal conversations through Instagram DMs.
— Reported by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Malayalam radio station.
