Meta are definitely one of the major tech companies that have been making an effort to enhance privacy and security. This can be seen from their different platform updates, such as WhatsApp’s features in turning off IP addresses and chat lock that needs secret codes. Another notable example is Instagram’s introduction to let users control their own privacy. This time, the privacy and security upgrade came on to Facebook Messenger, which is a Messenger update regarding 6 new features which launch default end-to-end encryption, just like WhatsApp.
The 5 New Features in This Messenger Update
1. Message Editing
The first new feature in this Messenger update is the ability for users to edit messages. Users now have the ability to modify messages sent prematurely or for changes within 15 minutes after sending. Despite edits, abusive content can still be reported, and Meta themselves retain visibility into the previous versions of the edited message.
Although this feature doesn’t sound quite new, as it has been introduced in WhatsApp, and many other messaging apps also equipped with this feature. Still, it is a practical feature that proved to be helpful in messaging. This makes Meta apps more comprehensive with this feature alongside the expansion of this feature towards Messenger.
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2. Disappearing Messages
Quite similar to Instagram‘s vanish mode, Meta introduced disappearing messages in this Messenger update. Messenger’s disappearing messages now persist for a duration of 24 hours from the time of sending. Additionally, Meta’s enhancing on the user interface to provide clearer indications when disappearing messages are activated.
This ensures users have confidence in the security of their messages, knowing they won’t linger indefinitely. Disappearing messages in Messenger are exclusively accessible for end-to-end encrypted discussions. In cases of inappropriate content, reporting is still an option, and Meta will alert you if a recipient captures a screenshot of a disappearing message.
3. Control Over Read Receipts
Moving on next is also not an unfamiliar one, which this feature on this Messenger update definitely reminds you about WhatsApp. Meta’s latest feature for controlling read receipts gives you the option to choose whether others can see when you’ve read their messages. Recognising the importance of privacy, this functionality empowers you to respond at your own pace without the pressure of an immediate reply.
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4. Enhancements to Photos and Videos
Meta acknowledges that Messenger users share more than 1.3 billion photos and videos daily on the app. Thus, in this Messenger update, they have streamlined access to photos and videos, improved image quality, introduced playful layouts, and provided additional controls for replying or reacting to any media collection.
Ongoing enhancements are in progress, including testing HD media and file-sharing improvements with a selected group of users, with plans for broader implementation in the months ahead. This enhancement is good news for all, as media sharing tends to be one of the daily online routines that we all do every day. The enhancements also made sharing easier on the platform with more quality media that many focus on.
5. Voice Messaging
The last upgrade in this latest Messenger update is the ability to adjust the voice messaging speed. Once again, Meta themselves know voice messaging is currently the most rapidly expanding messaging format. Thus, this feature allows users to play voice messages at speeds of 1.5x or 2x, resume listening from where they left off, and continue playing a voice message even when navigating away from the chat or the app.
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An Announcement in Better Security
Meta brings on a promise to enhance security in this Messenger update: They aim for transparency regarding the security technology they employ and encourage collaboration with external cryptographers and security experts. Due to the vast user base of over a billion Messenger users, the global rollout of default end-to-end encryption will take several months. Upon upgrading your chats, you will be prompted to establish a recovery method, like a PIN, ensuring the ability to restore messages in case of device loss, change, or addition.
Final Say
According to Meta, this Messenger update has the biggest set of improvements since the platform’s launch in 2011. The 5 new features on Messenger and the security promise provided ensure users more control over their own chats on the platform, where users get to enjoy a safer, more secure and private service. As highlighted in the features, security is one of the priorities Meta looked into by enhancing more privacy for users to manage their chats.
As cybersecurity concerns arise, it’s easily understandable why Meta have been focusing on upgrades enhancing security on their different platforms. The latest RETVec, the AI-powered spam detection by Gmail is another example.
Additionally, recent upgrades in WhatsApp, Messenger, and Discord focus on improving the quality of media sharing, addressing growing concerns among online users. There are many more upgrades on different platforms to discover, and if you’d like to easily grab the latest news regarding tech, do visit our website.