Facebook Messenger adds end-to-end encryption

Facebook messenger gets encrypted. Facebook is offering end-to-end encryption in Facebook messenger. The features available to a limited group of testers right now. Facebook calls these encrypted messages secret conversations. These messages will be readable on one device of the person you're communicating with That means, if you start a conversation in Messenger on your phone in secret conversation mode, you cannot continue that conversation on your tablet. The same is true for the person you're communicating with. Only two devices can access these conversations when they have it. The company claims that no one else, including Facebook, will be able to read these messages. Secret Conversations also features a timer option. The length of time each message is visible is variable. You will have to opt in to start a secret conversation. Making payments, gifts, and videos are not supported in this mode. The Secret Conversation feature will work on desktop computers, phones, and tablets. Facebook has also published a white paper explaining the technical differences between secret conversations and regular ones. The company says while they appear similar from a user standpoint, secret conversations use a different transport protocol, specialized on device storage and separate back end infrastructure That's it for this tech news update. I'm Iyazakhtar and you can stay on top of the biggest stories on cnet.com/update.