Meta Introduces Privacy Feature: Users Can Now Hide Read Receipts in Facebook Messenger

Meta recently introduced a new feature on Facebook’s Messenger that allows users to hide read receipts in their conversations. This feature enables users to read messages without the sender being notified, providing a level of privacy for those who may not have the time to respond immediately. When a user opts to hide read receipts, the other party will also remain unaware of whether their message has been read or not, as this setting applies automatically to both sides.

Users can manage the visibility of read receipts on Messenger through a few simple steps. Firstly, they need to open the Messenger app on their smartphones, then tap on the menu icon in the top interface. Following this, they should tap on the gear icon next to their profile picture, choose “Privacy & Safety,” and select “Read Receipts.” Here, users will find a toggle that allows them to activate or deactivate this feature according to their preferences.

Meta has been actively introducing new features for Messenger users throughout the year. Notably, the end-to-end encryption feature, previously exclusive to WhatsApp, has been implemented on Messenger. This encryption ensures that the content of users’ conversations is secure, with keys accessible only to the parties involved. Moreover, Meta has incorporated AI-driven services, such as a personal chat assistant providing diverse answers to users’ queries and a celebrity-programmed chatbot in the United States featuring personalities like Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton. The Communities feature has also been introduced, simplifying users’ organization of communication within group chats.