It seems that X’s DMs are about to get an overhaul, with X announcing today that it’s removing encrypted DMs for the time being, as it continues to implement back-end improvements.
As per X:
“Starting today we will be pausing the encrypted DMs feature while we work on making some improvements. You will still be able to access your encrypted DMs, but won’t be able to send new ones.”
So DM encryption on X will be disabled for a time, though you can expect it to be back very soon, with X owner Elon Musk repeatedly noting that encryption is an important element of its expanded messaging push.
Which also includes video messaging, voice chat, basically every function currently available in the other major messaging apps. X has taken steps on this front already, but it’s now seemingly set to realign its DM features around these expanded usage elements.
Some have suggested that this new system will be called “XChat”, and will introduce new functionalities, including the ability to send files, unlock codes, vanishing mode, and more.
As you can see, elements of this have already been spotted in testing, but they’re yet to get a full launch.
Indeed, last month, an X engineer remarked that the code base for X DMs was being completely rewritten, in favor of an improved, chat-like interface.
The update could also relate to X’s plan to integrate payments, with a more secure, streamlined messaging platform potentially also enabling money transfers within the app.
And that would also include full DM encryption, though X is seemingly rewriting its encryption elements as well, in order to accommodate this update.
We don’t know, of course, as X doesn’t provide a heap of info on its updates. All we know for sure is that X is working on its messaging features, and that right now, encryption is switched off in X DMs.
But I would anticipate another announcement coming very soon, which could signal the beginning of its integrated messaging and payments platform, in replacement of the current X DMs.
