Facebook to roll out for optional end to end encryption for its Messenger application
Facebook to roll out for optional end to end encryption for its Messenger application
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On Friday, facebook announced that it would roll out optional end to end encryption for its Messenger application, with the aim of stronger security and protection against snooping.

The feature would be known as secret conversations which can be read only by the sender and recipient, said US technology giant.

According to social network's vice president David Marcus, "Providing more ways for people to safely share is an important part of making the world more open and connected".

Earlier this year, facebook began implementing this end-to-end encryption on its WhatsApp messaging service, and Google, Apple and others have been making similar moves.

The moves have been criticized by some law enforcement officials and lawmakers by saying that the strong encryption can allow criminals and other bad actors to operate in secret where traditional wiretaps don't work.

"Secret conversations are available on a limited test basis right now, but we will be making the option more widely available this summer," the facebook 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.

The case was dropped by the authorities after finding a way to break into the iPhone without Apple's help.

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