Facebook Messenger Has Released An Encryption System That Can Be Used In Secret Conversations

Facebook Messenger's new features involve end-to-end encryption that allow users to communicate sensitive topics using secret conversation.

Facebook rolled out the new feature for the Messenger and it involves security. It is the new end-to-end encryption called 'secret conversations'. This new feature aims to make users more comfortable in chatting sensitive issues.

Facebook Messenger has about 900 million users so far. These users will be able to send a message that can only be read exclusively on one specific device. The feature also allows user to set a specific time for the duration of each message. After the duration, the message would be gone and cannot be read anymore. Months before the release of Facebook's encryption system, Apple had a public battle against the FBI regarding the use of encryption on devices. Facebook could face the same fate with the new Facebook Messenger feature, CNN reported.

The system used in the new feature, secret conversations, is an end-to-end encryption system which does not allow third parties from accessing the messages and information shared by the users. It has also become a common system in the messaging world. Line Chat, Viber, and Google's Allo have featured encryption recently. Facebook-owned messaging line, WhatsApp, also followed suit just this April.

The Facebooks Messenger developer team started releasing the test version of this feature. The feature blocks all parties besides the users conversing. Even Facebook cannot read the data being discussed. The new feature uses the signal Protocol which was developed by the Open Whisper systems, Facebook Newsroom reported.

The secret conversation is only available only for one device and cannot be read on user's other gadgets. Also, the new feature does not support some of the popular Messenger features which includes GIF, videos, or making payments.

Currently, secret conversations feature is only available on a limited test basis. The test would allow the developers to gather feedback on the features functionality and performance. It would also enable reporting objectionable content to the developers.