Facebook Messenger to get ‘secret’ conversations

First it was WhatsApp, now it seems Facebook Messenger is about to up its security levels. The social network is beginning to test a new feature called secret conversations that will offer end-to-end encryption and disappearing messages.

The new feature means the messages can only be read on the device of the recipient - so a conversation you start from your smartphone can only be read there, even if you later log into Messenger on your PC or tablet - and it will be optional rather than the default.

“Secret conversations can only be read on one device and we recognise that experience may not be right for everyone,” Facebook said in the announcement.

Messages sent in top-secret conversations can also have a timer set for each message, controlling how long the message is visible.

There are other things to consider. At present, secret conversations don’t support GIFs or videos, along with other extras Facebook has added to Messenger over the years.

It’s a limited test at the moment, but Facebook said it will be more widely available throughout the summer.

Five other features Facebook has added to Messenger over the years:

Calls:

If you thought Facebook Messenger was just about sending funny images and texts to your friends, you’re wrong. You can call people over Facebook Messenger, using your wifi connection to get free phones calls with your contacts. If they don’t pick up, you can leave them a voicemail, which they can then pick up from their web browser. it works for group calls too, allowing you to create a conference call at the touch of a button.

Video calls:

Who needs Skype or facetime? Facebook also offers the ability to make video calls to your contacts, as long as they are using Messenger.

Location sharing:

Sending your location to friends can be done with a tap. No more guessing or giving cryptic directions (“past the house that has black fencing and looks like something out of Breaking Bad” doesn’t cut it).

Chat bots:

The newest thing to hit your social network is an army of chat bots that will help you with everything from ordering flowers to getting the news. It’s as simple as striking up a conversation with a bot.

Payments:

Facebook has been testing ways to send and request money through its Messenger service, eliminating the need to use a service such as Paypal to pay back your friends or family. Peer to peer payments are a US only thing for now.