Meta on Thursday announced some exciting updates to Messenger’s opt-in end-to-end encrypted chats, including group chats and calls, notifications for screenshots of disappearing messages, stickers, GIFs, reactions, and more.
The new updates include:
- End-to-end Encrypted Group Chats and Calls on Messenger: Last year, the company announced it began testing end-to-end encryption for group chats, including voice and video calls. The feature is available to everyone. Now you can choose to connect with your friends and family privately and securely.
- Screenshot notifications: Meta also updated the settings for disappearing messages in its end-to-end encrypted chats and now the company is introducing a new notification when it detects that someone screenshots a disappearing message. Meta wants its users to be able to use encrypted chats and feel safe, so it will keep you informed if anyone takes screenshots of your disappearing messages. This is the same feature it offered in Messenger’s vanish mode, and now the company is rolling out this notification over the next few weeks for disappearing messages in our end-to-end encrypted chats.
- GIFs and Stickers: To help you level up your chats and express yourself, GIFs and Stickers are now available for a more feature-rich chat experience in end-to-end encrypted chats.
- Reactions: With reactions, you’ll be able to tap and hold on to a message to bring up the reactions tray to make your choice of reaction: You can also double-tap a message to “heart” it.
- Replies: You’ll now be able to reply to specific messages in your end-to-end encrypted chats, either by long pressing or swiping to reply.
- Tap and hold to reply: long press on a message to reply to it. Your reply includes a copy of the original message.
- Swipe to reply: you’ll also be able to swipe on the message you want to reply to. Swipe and type!
- Typing Indicators: To help you feel more present in your encrypted 1:1 and group chats, typing indicators are now available so that you can see when others are typing.
- Message forward: Pass along messages to your friends and family with this new feature! Long-pressing on a message will give you the option to forward. Once you tap the ‘forward’ button, a share sheet will be displayed so you can share with one or many people or groups. You’ll also be able to create a new group before forwarding a message.
- Verified Badge: Meta is also making the verified badge available for end-to-end encrypted chats to help you identify authentic accounts and have meaningful interactions.
- Save Media: You’ll be able to save a video or image by long-pressing on any media you receive.
- Video edits: When sending a photo or video from your gallery, you’ll have the option to edit before sending so you can add your personal touch. This includes adding stickers, scribbling or adding text, cropping, and audio editing too (for videos).
Timothy Buck, Product Manager, Messenger said, “We know the importance of safety and privacy when it comes to communicating with the people who matter most to you. End-to-end encryption protects you and your data from hackers, criminals, and other prying eyes. We hope these features elevate your private messaging experience as we continue to improve your encrypted conversations with friends and family. Learn more about our commitment to your privacy, as well as other tools we offer, by visiting our Messenger Privacy and Safety Hub.”
