So far very basic, the encrypted version of Messenger, Facebook’s messaging system, did not include all the basic functions that the application offers. To attract users to this encrypted version, the social network expands the possibilities to make the secure option more attractive.
An end-to-end message encryption system makes communications unreadable by the social network’s servers. In Messenger, you have to turn it on manually, but this version was pretty rudimentary until now.
Many new features will now accompany the secure option and should appear within the year. Thus, users will be able to define the themes of the background of a conversation between color options and gradients, without having a style imposed at the beginning.
It will also be possible to react to messages with custom emojis as is already possible in the unencrypted version. Users will also be able to choose a profile picture for group chats. The encrypted version will also show photos when a link is shared in a message, to make it more attractive. Users will also be able to see if their contacts are online or offline.
As for the chat bubbles, these appear in the encrypted version, allowing the user to read and reply to messages while leaving other apps open in the background.
A progressive extension
All these basic features are already offered in the classic version of Messenger. Facebook’s goal is to lure users to the encrypted version and catch up with WhatsApp (Meta owns both Facebook and WhatsApp).
To do this, Facebook indicates in its press release, expanding end-to-end encryption tests by default: “Over the next few months, more and more people will see some of their chats gradually updated with an additional layer of protection, made possible by end-to-end encryption” without users needing to enable any additional settings. Currently, you must manually activate the encrypted version.
Facebook specifies that the users concerned will be informed and the system of extension of the tests will be based on a random process “so that there is no negative impact on our infrastructure and on the chat experience”, complete it social network.
How to start an encrypted conversation in Messenger?
In an existing conversation, simply click the circular icon with the letter “i” inside it, at the top right of the screen. Then, click on the “Access Secret Conversation” option.
Source: BFM TV
