Disappearing messages finally come to Facebook Messenger

Facebook launched secret conversations, which are better encrypted, and only viewable on one device

Earlier this week, Snapchat launched a new feature, allowing users to store their Snaps, essentially making it more like Facebook. Now, Facebook is going in the opposite direction, launching a new feature of its own that makes it more like Snapchat. 

On Friday, the company unveiled what is it calling "secret conversations," which will feature end-to-end encryption, making them safer and more secure than the typical message sent on the app.

Secret conversation are visible only on the sender and recipient’s devices and, most notably, within a secret conversation, users are also given the option to to set a timer to control the length of time each message they send will remain visible to the other person. After that, it will disappear. 

"Your messages and calls on Messenger already benefit from strong security systems — Messenger uses secure communications channels (just like banking and shopping websites) as well as Facebook’s powerful tools to help block spam and malware," the company wrote.

"We’ve heard from you that there are times when you want additional safeguards — perhaps when discussing private information like an illness or a health issue with trusted friends and family, or sending financial information to an accountant."

Secret conversations are being made optional, for a variety of reasons. First, they can only be read on a single device, and Facebook does realize that might be kind of limiting for a lot of people who want to pick up their conversations on the go.

Also, most Messenger features will be missing from these conversations; there will be no rich content, or ability to make payments, for example. So it sounds like a pretty stripped down version of the app, and isn't something that users will want for every conversation they start. 

This feature is currently being rolled out on a limited basis, but the company says it will be gathering feedback to make sure it's working well, and that people aren't abusing it by sending "objectionable content." It's expected to become more widely available at some point this summer. 

Facebook and Snapchat

Facebook has been experimenting with disappearing messages since at least last Fall, when it began a small test of to some users in France. In May, screenshots appeared indicating that they were going to be rolling out to a broader audience. 

This isn't the first time Facebook has decided to go after Snapchat by cribbing its most notable feature. Facebook launched its own version of Snapchat called Poke in December of 2012. It allowed users to send each other messages, photos, or videos that would only have a set time limit before they expire.

Poke only lasted until May of 2014, but Facebook but Facebook tried again with an called Slingshot, in which the messages that were  sent disappear after they were read. That app also had an even shorter lifespan. Released in June of 2014, it also failed to take off and was shut down in December of 2015.

Incorporating the feature onto Messenger is a smarter move for Facebook. Add it into its most successful stand-alone app means it automatically becomes offered to hundreds of millions of users without them needing to download a separate app. 

While it's mostly been Facebook trying to emulate its younger rival, now Snapchat is finding itself needing to become more like the elder statesman, coming up with features that appeal to the older users who are now coming onto the app in droves. 

It's pretty ironic that, as Snapchat goes further away from ephemeral content, Facebook is now going toward it.

(Image source: newsroom.fb.com)