Meta enables end-to-end encryption by default

Strong encryption is an important element of technology safety for survivors of violence, and for the advocates who support them. Privacy technologies, like encryption, can help survivors seek support and resources with less risk of abusers becoming aware of those help-seeking activities. Encryption can also limit online data-collection processes that may identify a survivor’s help-seeking though targeted advertisements, tailored search results, or recommended content.

Last week, Meta announced that it would enable end-to-end (E2E) encryption for personal messages and calls on Messenger and Facebook, options that were previously available but not turned on by default. This change means that communications between two people using Messenger or Facebook are unlikely to be read or otherwise intercepted by a 3rd party, including employees of Meta and Meta’s platforms.

Safety Net supports and encourages the availability of encryption options for both communications and data storage. Survivors will benefit from this change, even though E2E encryption will not significantly change the way that messaging is commonly misused against them (E2E will not protect against a person being forced to unlock their device, or from spyware monitoring a device’s activity). E2E encryption means that survivors can actively participate in, and make decisions about, the use of their communications during court proceedings since Meta cannot itself provide that information.

Survivors will also benefit from this change because Meta’s platforms will offer more security by default in the event that they are used for communications with advocates. Most programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the United States receive funding through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA-funded programs have strict confidentiality obligations to protect the personal information of survivors from any non-consensual disclosure, including disclosure to the companies that own messaging apps and other communications platforms. Although social media platforms are not designed for service provision and are not best for sensitive conversations, they can still be the platform that some survivors prefer to use. By enabling E2E encryption by default, Meta is helping to ensure confidentiality and privacy in instances where survivors are communicating with programs through Messenger and Facebook. That means advocacy can be more accessible to survivors, and survivors have more options for finding the help and support they deserve.