Facebook’s latest video chat feature, Messenger Rooms, works the same as Zoom, and users don’t even need a Facebook account to use it. This isn't the only new feature Messenger users are getting, as Facebook on Thursday announced new safety features designed to protect users from unwanted chat requests, whether they're targeting minors or looking for new victims. The liar. These new features are powered by machine learning and will work even after Messenger gets end-to-end encryption.
Facebook has pivoted to strong privacy features in recent years and promised that all of its messaging apps would get the same end-to-end encryption as WhatsApp. The idea behind the project is to allow users of all Facebook apps, including Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, to talk to each other securely. It may still be a while before this happens, but Facebook is preparing for this future by rolling out more security measures to Messenger.
The feature has been testing on Android since March and will be rolled out to iPhone next week. Facebook explained that the tools were "developed through machine learning, which looks at behavioral signals, such as an adult sending a high number of friend or message requests to people under 18." This way, these features will also work with end-to-end encryption.
Security notifications will pop up in chats and provide helpful tips to people who may be having conversations with suspicious accounts. Users will be able to block or ignore someone "when something doesn't seem right."
The new feature is designed to "educate people under the age of 18 to be cautious when interacting with an adult they may not know and empower them to take action before responding to messages." Facebook said it is working with experts to keep minors safe. Messenger already has protections in place for minors that limit contact with adults they have no contact with. Machine learning can help Facebook detect and disable adult accounts that interact inappropriately with children.
New Messenger security tools should also help people avoid scams and imposters, like the example above. "These accounts can be difficult to identify at first, and the results can be costly," Facebook said. "Our new security advisory also helps educate people on how to spot scams or imposters and help them take action to prevent costly interactions."