The Digester

Instagram DMs lose end-to-end encryption as Meta reverses course

Mar 18th 2026

The change reopens automated content scanning, AI moderation, and faster compliance with legal requests, while TikTok says it never offered end-to-end encrypted DMs.

  • Meta will end end-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages on May 8, restoring the companys ability to access message content on its servers.