The company says few people used the feature, so it will be discontinued in the coming months. Users who want encryption can continue using WhatsApp.

The low adoption reason is controversial. For many, Instagram end-to-end encryption was hidden behind menus and not widely available. As a result, the feature never gained popularity, making the removal easier for Meta.

Internal concerns about safety also affected the decision. Officials argued that encryption could allow illegal activities to go unnoticed, creating tension between privacy and platform safety. Meta decided safety takes priority over Instagram privacy.

Also Read: WhatsApp tests Guest Chats to let users message without an account

Regulatory pressures from countries like India and the UK further influenced the update. Instagram end-to-end encryption may have been ideal for private messaging, but Meta had to balance privacy with law enforcement needs. Users are advised to export chats and media before the update on May 8, 2026.