Twitter is set to revolutionize its direct messaging (DM) feature, with CEO Elon Musk announcing the introduction of encrypted direct messages, as well as voice and video calls on the platform.
These improvements reflect Musk’s ambition to transform Twitter into an all-encompassing app, catering to various user needs, from messaging to financial services.
Enhanced privacy with encrypted DMs
Musk disclosed that the latest version of the Twitter app would allow users to reply to any message within a DM thread, as opposed to just the most recent one, and utilize any emoji for reactions.
More significantly, encrypted DMs are slated for release, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can view a message’s content. As Musk put it, “The acid test is that I could not see your DMs even if there was a gun to my head.”
This move towards encryption aligns with a broader trend in the industry, as users increasingly prioritize privacy. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, announced in January that it was expanding testing for default end-to-end encryption for its Messenger service.
WhatsApp, another Meta-owned messaging app, has featured end-to-end encryption for several years.
In addition to encrypted DMs, Twitter plans to incorporate voice and video calls into its platform. This update will enable users to connect with people worldwide without sharing their phone numbers, posing a challenge to existing communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Musk has repeatedly emphasized his vision for Twitter as an “everything app.” However, not all of his promised features have been promptly implemented.
For instance, in February, Musk announced plans to introduce a feature that would share advertising revenue with creators on the platform, but this has yet to materialize.
Twitter’s future under Musk’s leadership
Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter for $44 billion last year, the platform has undergone numerous changes. Some of these, such as staff reductions and the removal of free verification checkmarks, have been controversial and led to backlash from users and advertisers.
In April, Twitter reinstated blue checkmarks for some media, celebrity, and high-profile accounts. However, this move was met with protests from many recipients. Despite these challenges, Musk remains committed to enhancing Twitter’s offerings and user experience.
As part of his efforts to boost engagement and monetization opportunities, Musk recently announced the removal of inactive accounts from the platform. “We’re purging accounts that have had no activity at all for several years, so you will probably see follower count drop,” he tweeted.
While Twitter’s revenues have reportedly declined as some advertisers avoid the platform, these new features could attract users and advertisers alike, potentially revitalizing the social media giant under Musk’s guidance.
With encrypted DMs and voice and video calls on the horizon, Twitter is poised to challenge the communication and messaging landscape.
