Facebook introduced Secret Conversations in 2016 as a way for users to have end-to-end encrypted chats on the platform. Secret Conversations provide more privacy and security than regular Facebook chats. Here is an overview of how Secret Conversations work and their key features.
What are Secret Conversations?
Secret Conversations are end-to-end encrypted chats between two Facebook users. This means the conversations are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. Facebook does not have access to the encryption keys and therefore cannot read the content of Secret Conversations.
Secret Conversations have the following key features:
- End-to-end encryption using the Signal Protocol
- Encrypted notifications that hide the content of messages
- Screenshot notifications to alert if the other person takes a screenshot
- Disappearing messages that self-destruct after a set time
- Proactive safety notices for potential abuse or harm
These features provide an extra layer of privacy and security compared to regular Facebook chats. Users must actively enable Secret Conversations on a per-chat basis to access these features.
How to Start a Secret Conversation
Starting a Secret Conversation is easy. When you are in a chat with someone:
- Tap on their name at the top of the chat window
- Tap “Secret Conversation”
- Confirm by tapping “OK”
This will initiate an end-to-end encrypted Secret Conversation with that person. Both people must be using the latest version of the Facebook app for it to work.
Encryption in Secret Conversations
Secret Conversations use the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption. This is the same protocol used by WhatsApp and Signal apps. Here is how it works:
- Each chat generates a unique encryption key only known to the two people in the conversation.
- Messages are encrypted on the sender’s device before being sent.
- The encrypted data can only be decrypted on the recipient’s device using their key.
- Facebook’s servers only see encrypted data that they cannot decrypt.
This ensures Facebook or third parties cannot access the content of Secret Conversations. The encryption keys are generated locally on each device and not stored on Facebook’s servers.
Disappearing Messages
Secret Conversations allow users to set messages to disappear after a chosen duration. The available times are:
- 5 seconds
- 30 minutes
- 1 hour
- 4 hours
- 24 hours
Once enabled, new messages will automatically disappear after the selected time. Both people can still read the message normally within that window. But after the time is up, the messages are permanently deleted.
Disappearing messages help avoid having a permanent record of the conversation. They provide a use case similar to Snapchat. Users can have casual chats that don’t leave a lasting history. Enabling disappearing messages can be done at any time during a Secret Conversation.
Screenshot Notifications
Secret Conversations come with screenshot notifications. If the other person takes a screenshot of the chat, you will be immediately notified.
This helps avoid situations where someone could secretly record the conversation without consent. It provides transparency and keeps both parties aware of whether screens recordings are happening.
Who Can Use Secret Conversations?
Secret Conversations are available globally to consumers using the latest Facebook app on iOS and Android devices. Here are the requirements:
- Must be updated to the latest version of the Facebook app
- iOS devices must be running at least iOS 9
- Android devices must be running at least Android 5.0
Messages can only be sent and received from the mobile app. It is not possible to use Secret Conversations from Facebook on desktop at this time.
Limitations of Secret Conversations
While Secret Conversations provide enhanced privacy, they do come with some limitations:
- Cannot include people in group chats
- No support for video/voice calling
- Limited attachment support
- Syncing only occurs on one device
- No desktop access
Secret Conversations are designed for two-person mobile chats only. Those looking for group chats or desktop support will need to use regular Facebook Messenger.
How Long are Messages Stored For?
The encryption keys and encrypted messages are stored locally on each device. Messages are retained on a device until:
- The user clears their message history
- Either user deletes the conversation
- Either user blocks the other person
There is no set expiration date for Secret Conversations. Messages will remain accessible indefinitely as long as the conversation remains open and message history is not cleared.
Closing a Secret Conversation
To close a Secret Conversation:
- Open the Secret Conversation chat window
- Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the screen
- Select “End secret conversation”
This will close the Secret Conversation. New messages will revert to being regular, unencrypted Facebook chats.
Ending a Secret Conversation will also delete the conversation history from both devices. This removes the local copy of encryption keys and all messages.
Secret Conversations vs Regular Chats
Here is a comparison of key differences between Secret Conversations and regular Facebook Messenger chats:
| Secret Conversations | Regular Chats | |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes | No |
| Accessible on Desktop | No | Yes |
| Message History Retention | Until manually deleted | Up to 90 days |
| Disappearing Messages | Yes | No |
| Supports Attachments | Limited | Yes |
In summary, Secret Conversations offer more security but less flexibility than regular chat. Users will need to evaluate which option better meets their needs.
The Pros and Cons of Secret Conversations
Secret Conversations have both advantages and limitations for users to consider:
Pros
- End-to-end encryption for privacy
- Disappearing messages that self-destruct
- No message history stored by Facebook
- Notifications if other person takes screenshot
Cons
- Mobile-only, no desktop support
- No group conversations
- Limited attachment support
- Syncing only on one device
- Extra steps to enable
Users will get the most benefit from Secret Conversations if they highly value privacy and security. Those who regularly chat in groups or need file sharing may be better off with regular Messenger.
Common Questions about Secret Conversations
Are Secret Conversations fully encrypted?
Yes, Secret Conversations use end-to-end encryption powered by the Signal Protocol. This is the same standard used by Signal and WhatsApp.
Can Secret Conversations be hacked?
In theory, any encryption can be hacked with enough effort. However, Secret Conversations use strong industry-standard encryption that would require significant technical resources to compromise. The average Facebook user is unlikely to face any hacking threats due to using Secret Conversations.
Do both people need Secret Conversations enabled?
Yes, both the sender and recipient must have Secret Conversations activated to communicate securely. If only one person has it enabled, regular unencrypted Facebook Messenger will be used instead.
Can I use Secret Conversations on multiple devices?
Unfortunately no, Secret Conversations can only be used on one mobile device. The encryption keys are stored locally and not synced across devices. Desktop access is also not supported at this time.
Are media files encrypted?
Secret Conversations provide limited media attachment support. Smaller files like photos will be encrypted, but larger video files are not able to be sent.
Conclusion
Facebook Secret Conversations allow for secure and private chats between two people. The end-to-end encryption, screenshot notifications, and disappearing messages give users more control over their conversations.
However, there are also limitations around group chats, attachments, and cross-device functionality. Users should evaluate whether the enhanced privacy is worth these tradeoffs based on their messaging preferences.
Overall Secret Conversations represent a big step forward in Facebook providing privacy-focused communication tools. They give everyday users access to encryption that can help safeguard sensitive conversations on the platform.