Popular social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has secretly updated its help sites, revealing a move that could affect users’ cross-platform messaging capabilities.
Meta revealed that the cross-platform messaging feature between Facebook and Instagram will be discontinued sometime in mid-December, although an exact date was not specified. This update means users will no longer be able to initiate new cross-platform conversations or calls with Facebook accounts from Instagram.
Instagram Chats Downgraded
Existing chats on Instagram involving Facebook accounts will be downgraded to read-only status, prohibiting the sending of new messages.
Similarly, Facebook accounts will no longer be able to view activity statuses or have existing chats move to their inbox on both Facebook and Messenger. This move marks a notable shift from Meta’s introduction of cross-platform messaging in 2020 and subsequent enhancements, such as group chat features.
The decision has raised questions, as Meta has not provided a clear explanation. Furthermore, the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandates interoperability for large messaging apps, potentially complicating Meta’s decision.
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Meta’s Plans for End-to-End Encryption
In recent months, Meta has announced plans to enhance security features across its platforms, including end-to-end encryption for Messenger and Instagram Direct Messages.
While Meta has not explicitly linked the discontinuation of cross-platform messaging on Instagram to these security efforts, speculation arises due to the timing of these announcements.
Additionally, Meta is responding to feedback from regulatory bodies, such as the German antitrust authority, by planning to give users more control over their accounts across various websites.
These changes highlight the evolving nature of social media platforms and their response to new rules and regulations. Users and observers alike are keenly watching how these developments will shape Meta’s policies and services moving forward.
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