The decision marks a major shift in Meta’s privacy policy, affecting millions of users worldwide who rely on secure communication. Critics argue that this move sets a dangerous precedent for the tech industry.

Experts from Johns Hopkins University suggest that Meta intentionally designed the encryption feature to be difficult to find, leading to the low adoption rates now being used as a justification for its removal.

Security specialists have labeled the move as cynical, claiming it contradicts previous public commitments made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding user privacy. They fear other major technology firms may now follow Meta’s lead.

While Meta suggests that users seeking high security should switch to WhatsApp, privacy advocates warn that removing encryption on Instagram increases risks for vulnerable communities. This change impacts global standards for data protection.