Instagram is finally testing a feature that will let users turn off read receipts for Instagram DMs. This way, even if you have read someone’s message, they won’t see the “seen” label below the message. Here’s what you need to know about this new feature:
- Privacy & Safety Menu: Instagram’s head posted a screenshot of the privacy & safety menu for direct messages. You can access this menu by tapping on the name of the profile under a chat. If users are part of the test, they will see a toggle to turn off read receipts under the “Who can see your activity” section.
- Testing Phase: Instagram has not specified in what capacity the company is testing these features and when will it roll out to all users. However, this feature has been long overdue, given that another Meta-owned app, WhatsApp, launched the ability to turn off read receipts in 2014.
- End-to-End Encryption: The company also plans to roll out default end-to-end encryption protection for Instagram DMs once it finishes that feature’s rollout for Messenger. In August, Meta said that the company aims to finish work on enabling end-to-end encryption by default on Messenger by the end of the year.
The new feature is a welcome addition for Instagram users who value their privacy and want to control who sees their activity on the app. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative features hitting the market that help users stay safe and protect their privacy online.
There’s no word yet on when read receipt controls will officially launch to all users. Instagram will likely test it internally first before a wider rollout. Giving users more granular control over DMs is part of Instagram’s broader push towards privacy-focused features lately.
Instagram’s new feature to turn off read receipts for DMs is a promising development that could help users protect their privacy and control who sees their activity on the app. While the feature is still in the testing phase, it is expected to roll out to all users soon.
