Twitter has recently announced that it is launching encrypted direct messages (DMs) for Twitter Blue subscribers. This feature allows users to communicate without the platform storing their messages, which will be available only on the device.
The Details
According to Twitter’s support document, encrypted DMs are only available if you are a verified user (somebody who pays for Twitter Blue), a verified organization (an organization that pays $1,000 per month), or an affiliate of a verified organization (which costs $50 per month per person).
Both the sender and recipient must be on the latest version of the Twitter app (on mobile and web). And an encrypted DM recipient must follow the sender, have sent a message to the sender in the past, or accept a DM request from the sender at some point.
How do encrypted DMs work?
If you are a person who can send encrypted messages to somebody who can receive them, you’ll see a lock toggle while you’re drafting a message. In an encrypted conversation, you’ll also see a small lock icon next to the avatar of the person you’re chatting with. Encrypted DMs will be separate from unencrypted ones.
The Bigger Picture
Currently, platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, and iMessage already offer encrypted messaging for free.
Critics are arguing that Twitter is launching encrypted DMs behind a paywall is more of a strategy for attracting more paying subscribers and generating more revenue than focusing on security.
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