Facebook Messenger: Advances in end-to-end encryption
On the way to complete end-to-end encryption, Facebook takes a few small steps. The company announces advances and new features.
What is already implemented in WhatsApp, for example, should also be used in Facebook Messenger and Instagram messages: end-to-end encrypted communication. Only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Intermediate stations like Facebook’s servers only see encrypted alphabet jumble.
Something that takes a long time
This confidential communication is standard for most messengers. Facebook has struggled with this for a long time and announced that it would support end-to-end encryption in Facebook Messenger and Instagram by the end of 2023. Now the company has announced and presented the first tests of the new encryption features.
Product Manager Director Sara Su has outlined current plans for the company to enable secure backup of end-to-end encrypted conversations for early testers. So far, such archives are only located locally on the end devices. In case of loss or hardware failure, the chats would be lost. It is also not possible to take it with you to a new device.
The backup solution is called Secure Storage and should be used by default to protect the course of encrypted conversations. Access is possible either with a self-created PIN or a code created by the software, which users must keep and manage themselves. On iOS devices, for example, the keychain for storing the secret key is supported.
The test is scheduled to start this week for Android and iOS. However, the function is not yet available for the messenger.com platform, Messenger for desktop or non-end-to-end encrypted chats.
outlook
It shouldn’t stay that way. In the coming weeks, previously popular functions of the unencrypted chat should also be usable for the encrypted versions. This is to remove deleted messages from all connected devices. The “unsending” of messages (unsend messages) and replies to Facebook stories should also be added. Additional options for accessing the end-to-end encrypted messages and calls are also being considered, for example by adding encrypted phone calls to the Messenger call tab.
Facebook automatically adds tester for end-to-end encrypted chats. An opt-in is therefore not necessary. So far there have been two different functions for sending self-deleting messages; the manufacturer is now deleting one of them (“Vanish mode”; “Disappearing Messages” remain). Facebook extended end-to-end encryption testing on Instagram to Ukraine and Russia in February. Now other countries are to be added and not only adults will receive the offer. Selected testers are asked whether they want to use end-to-end encryption, explains Facebook in the progress report.
