Instagram enabling users to disable DM read receipts — after WhatsApp

Instagram users will soon be able to choose whether or not to utilise read receipts in direct messaging exchanges as both Adam Mosseri and Mark Zuckerberg stated on their accounts that the update is presently being tested. 

Mosseri also posted a photo of the toggle that illustrates how it works.

They failed to specify if Messenger will receive the same option, which would compel users to utilise read receipts in the absence of an option to disable them.

We also don't know when this could become more widespread, so watch your discussions to see if those signs abruptly stop existing or if people are declining your invites to really significant events.

Opting in or out of read receipts can facilitate passive aggression in different ways, as we noted a few years back, but at least it will be a choice rather than a mandate.

Not everyone is thrilled with the concept, though, as several users have bemoaned the loss of the option to see if someone has seen their messages.

Instagram has not stated if Facebook Messenger—which is also owned by Meta—will someday receive the functionality.

When WhatsApp was acquired by Meta and then by Facebook in 2014, users have had the ability to turn off read receipts.

Additionally, Meta has assisted in extending WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption to other messaging platforms that fall under its purview.

After completing the integration of this functionality with Messenger, the business intends to add default end-to-end encryption for Instagram direct messages.

Meta declared in August that by the beginning of 2024, end-to-end encryption will be the standard on Messenger.