Facebook is testing a new messenger app which automatically deletes messages sent in a "secret conversation".

Messages included in the "secret conversation" are end-to-end encrypted and can be scheduled to be permanently deleted, although encryption means they can only be read on a single device. 

Facebook's move comes a few months after fellow messaging app WhatsApp launched a similar cybersecurity system with end-to-end encryption, ensuring third parties can neither access chats or listen to phone calls. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook. 

The new Messenger app could be used to discuss sensitive topics or share information, such as banking details, that would be highly compromising if in the hands of a third party.

The service is built on the Signal Protocol by Open Whisper Systems, one of the most trusted cryptography technologies. The social media company revealed its willingness, in a report last week, to improve Messenger's privacy settings.

"We are starting to test the ability to create one-to-one secret conversations in Messenger that will be end-to-end encrypted and which can only be read on one device of the person you’re communicating with. That means the messages are intended just for you and the other person — not anyone else, including us”, says the report.

The messages are intended just for you and the other person— not anyone else including us- Facebook

This new form of Messenger is still being trialed and there are limitations to the system. For example videos and GIF are not supported by the “secret messenger”, but Facebook have said they will improve the system by the end of the summer.

Furthermore, users will be able to report any abuse but Facebook will not be able to read reported conversations before a certain delay.

This revolutionary messenger app serves as an advancement in the Facebook settings, the company main issue being the lack of privacy for its members. For instance, companies usually use Facebook to mine private information about a potential employee. Facebook’s concern is to make its users feel safe and free to express themselves as the website represents a possible threat to privacy.  

 

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