After three years since the announcement that Facebook and Instagram users could communicate via Messenger, Meta is changing direction. The social media giant merged the direct messaging services of both platforms in September 2020, aiming to integrate Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp chats, creating a more unified experience within Meta’s ecosystem.
However, starting in mid-December, this cross-app communication will cease to exist. Meta recently updated the Instagram help center, revealing that users won’t be able to initiate new chats or calls between Instagram and Facebook via Messenger. Existing cross-platform conversations will become read-only, preventing any further message exchanges.
Furthermore, Facebook users won’t see the active status of Instagram users and vice versa.
This change coincides with Meta facing potential regulation by the European Commission, which is considering categorizing Messenger as a ‘core platform service’ under its Digital Markets Act. This classification would compel Meta to make Messenger incompatible with other messaging services.
Facebook contests this move, arguing that Messenger is an integral part of the Facebook app and not a standalone feature, despite the separate Messenger app.
Earlier this year, Meta discontinued its Messenger Lite app, a pared-down version for Android devices, despite its global download count of 760 million. Additionally, SMS support for Messenger was terminated.
Meta has also bolstered parental controls for teens on the platform. This includes enabling parents to monitor their teenagers’ privacy and safety settings in Messenger, view their contact lists, receive updates on additions or deletions, and see who’s messaging them.
