Facebook Adds Security Feature on Messenger

Apple users can now limit who can access their Messenger chats following a new security feature announced by Facebook. In a report published by The Verge on Wednesday, the new security feature will enable Messenger to automatically lock itself shortly after closing, requiring users to authenticate their identities in order to launch the app back.

“Privacy is at the heart of Messenger – where you can be yourself with the people who matter most to you, whether that’s through a message, video chat, call, or a Messenger Room. Today, we’re announcing new privacy and security features that give you more control,” Jay Sullivan, Director of Product Management at Messenger Privacy and Safety, announced on a post.

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The feature, called “App Lock,” is currently available on both iPhone and iPad and works to prevent other people from accessing a user’s chats. Specifically, when enabled, App Lock will require users to authenticate their identities via Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode in order to open their Messenger chats.

Facebook Security Feature on Messenger Chats

“App Lock lets you add another layer of security to your private messages and helps prevent other people from accessing them. This optional feature gives you the confidence to know that if a friend or a family member needs to borrow your phone, they won’t be able to access your chats,” Sullivan explained.

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According to him, the App Lock can be found in the new Privacy settings section, which will serve as a one-stop source to all control features. Other than the App Lock, users can also turn to the news section to view users whom they have just recently blocked.

Other features aimed at improving the Messenger experience are also expected to come soon, including a new privacy control feature that will allow users to limit who can send them messages on the platform, and another feature that will blur images in the message requests folder.

“People tell us that they want more controls over their inbox and calls. That’s why we’re working on new controls so you can decide who can message or call you directly, who goes to your requests folder, and who can’t message or call you at all. This will be similar to the message controls on Instagram, and we’ll share more details when we start testing these controls,” Sullivan said on his post.

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Android version of the new App Lock feature is expected to be available in the next few months.

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