Facebook adds End-to-End Encryption for Voice and Video calls on Messenger

Facebook is bringing plenty of new features to Messenger users who enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE). With E2EE enabled, you can now make voice or video calls to Messenger contacts, just like you can with WhatsApp.

Anyone outside of the sender and recipient, including Facebook, will not be able to listen to your voice and video calls if you use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) option, so it’s like adding an extra layer of security to your voice and video chats on Messenger. You can still report messages to Facebook if required, according to the company.

Pic Credit: Facebook

End-to-end encryption for text messages has been enabled in Facebook Messenger in 2016, when the company launched a "secret conversation" option to the app. That mode now includes the ability to make phone calls. Messenger now receives more than 150 million video calls every day, according to Facebook, which claims the service is being added as interest in voice and video chats surges.

A minor update is being made to text conversations. When you set a message to disappear, you'll see more options for when it expires, ranging from five seconds to 24 hours. (It used to be available in one-minute, 15-minute, one-hour, four-hour, and 24-hour increments.)

Other E2EE features are being developed by Facebook. In the coming weeks, it intends to begin public testing of E2EE group chats and calls in Messenger. In addition, the company will launch a limited test E2EE for Instagram direct messages. Before you can enable E2EE on a direct message exchange, you must have an existing chat with someone or follow each other.

The complete list of announcements can be found right here on the Facebook blog.