Facebook To Start Testing End-To-End Encrypted Backups For Messenger

Facebook is officially testing out a new feature that would allow users to back up end-to-end encrypted chats.

“Some people” this week will get the first look at Facebook’s new Messenger feature, which seeks to give users more options for storing their conversations.

“People want to trust that their online conversations with friends and family are private and secure. We’re working hard to protect your personal messages and calls with end-to-end encryption by default on Messenger and Instagram,” wrote Facebook in a statement. “Today, we’re announcing our plans to test a new secure storage feature for backups of your end-to-end encrypted chats on Messenger, and more updates and tests to deliver the best experience on Messenger and Instagram.”

Right now, messages are stored on your device, and Facebook is going to users another way to retrieve their messages in the event that the user’s phone is stolen or lost. This would give users the ability to bring their messages back if they decide to get a new, supported device.

“As with end-to-end encrypted chats, secure storage means that we won’t have access to your messages, unless you choose to report them to us,” the platform’s statement continued.