Facebook Messenger finally gets end-to-end encryption on voice, video calls

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Facebook Messenger had end-to-end encryption in its messages before. But now, Facebook is bringing this security feature to voice and video calls, too. These types of communication became especially important during the pandemic, with Facebook citing over 150 million video calls a day. It isn't available in group voice, chats, and video calls yet, but the company said it would test this out with some users in the coming weeks.

End-to-end encryption offers the assurance that only you and the recipient will get access to what's in your calls and messages. Facebook won't be able to read or listen to your calls. But you can report an end-to-end encrypted message to the company if "something's wrong," which presumably refers to situations involving harassment.

Click to read more ...

Instagram rolls out more anti-abuse features, will let you limit DMs and comments from non-followers

Instagram drew more flak over the summer after Black soccer stars in England were bombarded with racist messages after their Euro 2020 finals loss. Now, the Facebook-owned company is working to prevent these kinds of behaviour from happening again with three safety features.

Click to read more ...

Instagram wants to take on TikTok by offering full-screen video content

Instagram doesn't want to be known as the "square photo-sharing app" anymore. At least that's what Instagram head Adam Mosseri is saying. The Facebook-owned social network wants to lean more into entertainment and video, not unlike its competitor, TikTok. Aside from offering features like IG TV, Reels, and Stories, Instagram's plans involve "embracing video more broadly," starting with "full screen, immersive, entertaining, mobile-first video."

The company also plans to test recommendations over the next few months, showing content on your Instagram Feed that you might not be following yet. According to Mosseri, Instagram users plan to experiment more in this area "over the coming months."

Source: Adam Mosseri | Via: MacRumors

Instagram experiments with offering posting on desktop

The latest experiment Instagram is trying on the desktop brings the ability to post via the web browser. Social media consultant Matt Navarra shared screenshots of the feature, which Facebook has confirmed it is testing.

"We know that many people access Instagram from their computer," spokesperson Christine Pai told Bloomberg. "To improve that experience, we're now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser."

Based on Navarra's screenshots, Instagram on the web will let you select aspect ratios, apply built-in filters, and use the essential editing tools. It isn't available for all users yet. But this might be a welcome addition, especially for social media professionals who need an easier way to manage their accounts.

Source: The Verge