Meta is testing End-to-End encrypted backups and more on Messenger

According to Meta, users are always concerned about if their online conversations with friends and family are private and secure and meta is working hard to protect users’ messages and calls with end-to-end encryption by default on Messenger and Instagram.

Today Meta has announced the plan to test a new secure storage feature for backups of your end-to-end encrypted chats on Messenger, and more updates and tests to deliver the best experience on Messenger and Instagram.

Meta Secure Storage: End-to-End Encrypted Backups on Messenger

A user message history is important and the conversations are currently stored on their device. With that in mind, they’re testing secure storage to back up those messages in case you lose your phone or want to restore your message history on a new, supported device. 

As with end-to-end encrypted chats, secure storage means that a user won’t have access to messages unless a user chooses to report them to Meta.

Also Read: Snapchat launches new ‘Family Center’

Secure storage will be the default way to protect the history of end-to-end encrypted conversations on Messenger. There will be two end-to-end encrypted options for accessing your backups: either create a PIN or generate a code, both of which a user needs to save.

Users can also choose to restore their Messenger conversations via third-party cloud services.

More Updates for End-to-End Encrypted Messages and Calls

• Expanding features and surfaces:
  Deleted messages will sync across other devices and will begin testing the ability to unsend messages, reply to Facebook Stories and offer other ways to access end-to-end encrypted messages and calls.
  
• Code Verify:
  The security feature, called Code Verify, is an open-source web browser extension available that automatically verifies the authenticity of the code. This will confirm the effectiveness of end-to-end encryption security by showing that your web code hasn’t been tampered with or altered.
  
• Testing end-to-end encryption of chats:
  A user can still report messages to Meta if they violate policies, and Meta will review them and take action as necessary.

• Removal of vanish mode on Messenger:
  Meta is removing vanish mode, but disappearing messages will still be available in the settings of end-to-end encrypted chats. This mode allows everyone’s messages to disappear at a selected time after they’ve been seen.
  
• Testing expanded chat features on Instagram:
  The test further includes people in more countries and adds more features like group chats. The initial test was only available to adults, but this expanded test will be available to everyone.