Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data

05/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 02:56

Instagram Discontinues “End-to-end Encrypted Messaging” Feature Privacy Commissioner’s Office Reminds Users to Safeguard Personal Data Privacy

Date: 13 May 2026

Instagram Discontinues "End-to-end Encrypted Messaging" Feature
Privacy Commissioner's Office Reminds Users to
Safeguard Personal Data Privacy

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) noted that social media platform Instagram had ceased supporting "end-to-end encrypted messaging" feature with effect from 8 May 2026. The purpose of the "end-to-end encrypted messaging" feature was to ensure that messages and calls between users could only be seen, heard or read by the communicating parties themselves. This update means that third parties (including the social media platform) may, in future, be able to read or access the contents of users' messages, including photos, videos and voice messages.
The PCPD reminds users to note the aforesaid update from the relevant social media platform and to consider whether it is necessary to disclose their own or others' personal data in messages and calls, in order to safeguard personal data privacy. Where necessary, users may download and back up their past chat records by following the steps set out in Annex 1:
For enquiries, users may contact the relevant social media platform or the PCPD (telephone: 2827 2827 or email: [email protected]).
Social media platform Instagram announced that it had ceased supporting "end-to-end encrypted messaging".
Annex 1

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile (bottom-right icon).


2. Tap the menu (three lines) in the top-right corner.


3. Tap Accounts Centre.


4. In Accounts Centre, choose "Your information and permissions".


5. Tap "Export your information" (or Download your information / Create export, wording can differ by version).


6. Follow the instructions from Instagram to download and backup chat history.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data published this content on May 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 13, 2026 at 08:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]