WASHINGTON: Facebook has announced that it would roll out optional “end to end encryption” for its Messenger application, following a trend aimed at stronger security and protection against snooping.
The US technology giant said this feature would be known as “secret conversations” which can be read only by the sender and recipient.
“Providing more ways for people to safely share is an important part of making the world more open and connected,” the social network’s vice president David Marcus said on his Facebook page.
“Whether you’re asking a doctor for medical advice, sending sensitive account information to your spouse, or even your Social Security number, it’s important to have options available for sharing these kinds of very sensitive messages.”
Facebook earlier this year began implementing this end-to-end encryption on its WhatsApp messaging service, and Google, Apple and others have been making similar moves.
Some law enforcement officials and lawmakers have criticized these moves, saying the strong encryption can allow criminals and other bad actors to operate in secret where traditional wiretaps don’t work.
A Facebook statement said the new feature will be optional “because many people want Messenger to work when you switch between devices, such as a tablet, desktop computer or phone” and that the encrypted messages may only be read on one device.
“Secret conversations are available on a limited test basis right now, but we will be making the option more widely available this summer,” the statement said.
The US government this year locked horns in a legal battle with Apple, seeking to compel the iPhone maker to help decrypt a device used by one of the attackers in the San Bernardino shooting rampage.
Authorities eventually dropped the case after finding a way to break into the iPhone without Apple’s help.
Facebook said in April that Messenger has over 900 million users, close to the billion for WhatsApp.
Facebook Messenger to offer strong encryption
Facebook Messenger to offer strong encryption
Governments must recognize their ultimate responsibility to serve people says WGS chairman
- Mohammed Al-Gergawi outlines growth of AI, medical tech
- World’s governments must adapt to globe’s new challenges
DUBAI: Governments must recognize their ultimate responsibility to serve people, said World Governments Foundation Chairman Mohammed Al-Gergawi on Tuesday.
Al-Gergawi made the comments during a speech at the opening ceremony of the World Governments Summit in Madinat Jumeirah. The event is being held under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” and brings together leaders and officials from all over the world.
Al-Gergawi said humans were embarking on a new era focusing on four core driving forces, which require governments to adjust accordingly.
“Four main forces are changing the core nature of humanity, artificial intelligence, advanced medicine, brain sciences and digital environments,” he explained.
“AI is no longer an assistant but a partner of thinking. AI is currently a partner but it can be a transient partnership which can evolve into a contributing intelligence and a decisive intelligence.
“We are not adding a new technology to life, but we are adding a new layer of thinking, learning and making decisions,” he said.
Al-Gergawi said advanced medicine would also be a leading force of change for humanity.
Referencing recent studies, he said the cost of human genome sequencing has decreased from $100 million to less than $600 dollars and global life expectancy had more than doubled in a century.
Al-Gergawi predicted the next big discovery for humanity would not be in space but within our brains. “Will upcoming investments be in developing human capabilities?” he asked.
In terms of digital environments, he said more than 5.5 billion people are connected to the internet and our perception of identity had completely changed.
“Life as we know it has changed pace. People have shorter concentration spans and can be distracted much more easily. We have a different perception of identity. No longer one identity but multiple versions of ourselves,” he explained.
Al-Gergawi said governments must completely redesign the way they operate and transition to human-centered institutions in governance.
“Some governments led while others waited, but history forgets those who wait,” he added.
He also emphasized the need to recognize Generation Z in decision-making and governance and to adapt existing systems to fit their needs.
“By 2040, Gen Z will form 40 percent of the global workforce. It’s a generation shaped by ‘the now’ with instant services, and learning. Gen Z became a daily pressuring force on public decision making,” he added.
