In a subtle update on its support pages, Meta has announced that Instagram users will lose the ability to message their Facebook contacts.
This feature is scheduled for deactivation in mid-December, though the specific date remains undisclosed.
The support page outlines that initiating new cross-platform conversations will be disabled, and existing chats on Instagram will transition to a read-only mode.
Despite introducing cross-platform messaging in 2020 and incorporating features like group chat over the subsequent three years, Meta is discontinuing this functionality with minimal fanfare.
Notably, Meta has not provided a specific reason for ending the cross-platform messaging feature.
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates interoperability for large messaging apps, could offer context to this decision.
WABetaInfo reported in September that Meta-owned WhatsApp is actively developing an interoperability feature, evidenced by the appearance of a “third-party chats” screen.
Additionally, in August, Meta expressed its intent to enable end-to-end encryption for Messenger users by default by year-end.
Deputy Privacy Officer Rob Sherman indicated that Instagram DMs would also receive this encryption protection once the Messenger rollout concludes.
However, Meta has not clarified if the cessation of cross-platform messaging is linked to this ongoing development.
In a separate move, Meta has committed to revamping its account center to enhance user control over cross-site activities, aligning with directives from the German antitrust body communicated in June.
