Facebook Messenger starts testing end-to-end-encryption in secret chat mode

Facebook is currently testing their new added feature on the facebook messenger app  to ensure that, as it becomes an indispensable way to communicate — people are able to do so securely and safely.

Messenger uses secure communications channels (just like banking and shopping websites) as well as Facebook’s powerful tools to help block spam and malware. We’ve heard from you that there are times when you want additional safeguards — perhaps when discussing private information like an illness or a health issue with trusted friends and family, or sending financial information to an accountant.

Facebook officially announced today that they’re testing end-to-end encryption within Messenger, locking down conversations so that even Facebook can’t access the content therein. However, unlike other messaging platforms where the end-to-end encryption is active by default and covers all conversations, Facebook will let Messenger users turn it on in a chat-by-chat basis. To differentiate between these standard and encrypted conversations, Facebook is calling them Secret Conversations.

“To enable you to do this we are starting to test the ability to create one-to-one secret conversations in Messenger that will be end-to-end encrypted and which can only be read on one device of the person you’re communicating with. That means the messages are intended just for you and the other person — not anyone else, including us. Within a secret conversation, you can also choose to set a timer to control the length of time each message you send remains visible within the conversation. Our technology uses the Signal Protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems. You can read more about the technical details here.”

Enabling secret conversations within Messenger is optional. Facebook explained that some people prefer to use the app across multiple devices, but when you have secret conversations, you’re limited to just one device. This option is only available for text conversations, so GIFs, videos, payment transactions, or “other popular Messenger features” are not currently supported.

The company emphasized that it’s currently just testing out this feature but added that the security feature is likely to be made more available later this summer. In a blog post, Facebook said “We are putting a lot of thought into the design and implementation of this feature, and we are grateful to the security and privacy experts who have given us their valuable input.” A major player in the development of this feature is Open Whisper Systems, a security-related technologies provider of private messaging and calling.

source:Facebook Newsroom
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND ALSO SHARE THIS POST