Facebook includes new possibilities in its encrypted version of Messenger that must be activated manually. These include most of the basic functions of the classic version.
So far very basic, the encrypted version of Messenger, Facebook’s messaging system, did not include all the basic functions offered by the application. To attract users to this encrypted version, the social network extends 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. On Messenger, you have to activate it manually, but this version was rather rudimentary until now.
Many new functions will now accompany the secure option and should appear during the year. Thus, users will be able to define the themes of the background of a conversation among color choices and gradients, without having a style imposed at the start.
It will also be possible to react to messages with personalized 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 display 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 chat bubbles, these make an appearance 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 functions are already offered in the classic version of Messenger. Facebook’s goal is to attract users to the encrypted version and catch up with WhatsApp (Meta owns both Facebook and WhatsApp).
For this, Facebook indicates in his press release, expand end-to-end encryption testing by default: “over the next few months, more and more people will see some of their chats gradually upgraded with an additional layer of protection, made possible by end-to-end encryption bout”, without users needing to enable any additional settings. Currently, you have to manually activate the encrypted version.
Facebook specifies that the users concerned will be informed and this test extension system will be done according to a random process “so that there is no negative impact on our infrastructure and on the chat experience”, completes the social network.
How to start an encrypted conversation in Messenger?
In an existing conversation, just click on the circle icon with the letter “i” inside, at the top right of the screen. Then, click on the “Access secret conversation” option.
