Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1 billion monthly active users. One of Messenger’s key features is free video calling, allowing people to connect face-to-face from anywhere in the world.
However, as video calling has become more prevalent, so have concerns around privacy and security. There are reasonable questions around whether video chats on Messenger are safe and can be intercepted.
How does video calling work on Messenger?
When you make a video call on Messenger, your video stream is encrypted and secured as it travels between you and the person you are calling. This prevents third parties from accessing or intercepting your calls.
Specifically, Messenger uses the Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) to encrypt video calls from end-to-end. This is an encryption standard that is also used by apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime.
In addition to encryption, Messenger also obscures video calls by routing them through a complex global network of servers and data centers. This prevents any one party from tracking a call back to its source or destination.
Is end-to-end encryption secure enough?
End-to-end encryption is considered one of the most secure forms of communication encryption. It means that calls are encrypted on the user’s device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device.
Even if communications are intercepted in transit, they will appear scrambled and indecipherable to outside parties. Only the participants in the conversation have the cryptographic keys to decrypt the communications.
Major technology firms and cryptographers agree that end-to-end encryption is very difficult for even sophisticated hackers to crack. Barring any vulnerabilities in the encryption implementation itself, it provides a strong safeguard for communications.
What about government surveillance?
One concern around Messenger is whether Facebook cooperates with government agencies to provide access to encrypted video calls when legally compelled to. After all, even end-to-end encrypted content can be accessed on the user’s device before it is encrypted or after it is decrypted.
Facebook claims that they do not share call content with governments and law enforcement. However, their transparency reports do show a number of requests from authorities for Messenger user data. It is unclear if video call data has ever been turned over.
Overall, while surveillance is a risk, there is no evidence so far showing that governments have systematic access across Messenger. Calls should be secured from mass surveillance dragnets, even if targeted interception remains a possibility.
Can hackers exploit vulnerabilities?
A major caveat is that end-to-end encryption only provides strong security if it is properly implemented without flaws. Unfortunately, cybersecurity researchers have found vulnerabilities in Messenger’s encryption in the past.
For example, in 2019 Facebook paid a security researcher a $60,000 bounty for discovering a bug that could allow an attacker to eavesdrop on calls. The bug was quickly patched before being exploited.
While such vulnerabilities are rare, they highlight that no communication system is foolproof. With over a billion users, Messenger is an attractive target for hackers looking to undermine its encryption.
How to make Messenger video calls more secure
Here are some best practices you can use to improve the privacy and security of your Messenger video chats:
- Keep your apps updated to the latest version to receive security patches
- Be wary of links or files sent through Messenger that may contain malware
- Set up two-factor authentication on your Facebook account for stronger login security
- Don’t rooted or jailbreak your device, as this undermines some security features
- Make sure any WiFi networks you use to make calls are secure and encrypted
Following these tips will help prevent your calls from being compromised by local attacks on your device or account. However, they do not guarantee full protection against government surveillance if directed at you specifically.
How Messenger compares to alternatives
Compared to some other messaging apps, Messenger has average security but not the strongest. Here is how some alternatives compare:
| Messenger | FaceTime | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open source cryptography | Partially | Fully | No |
| Track record on security | Average | Good | Excellent |
| Government cooperation | Moderate | Limited | Extensive (US) |
WhatsApp has a stronger reputation for security, using the reputable Signal protocol and making its encryption code open source for transparency. FaceTime may have robust encryption, but Apple has been known to work closely with US law enforcement.
Conclusion
Facebook Messenger provides solid security for video calls through end-to-end encryption. However, there are risks that communications could be intercepted by sophisticated hackers or government agencies.
Users should be aware that Messenger conversations likely do not have as robust privacy protections as more security-focused apps like Signal or Wire. There is a trade-off between ease of use and risks of compromise.
Overall, Messenger should be relatively safe for casual video calls with friends and family. But users with more serious security concerns may want to opt for apps with a stronger security posture, even if that comes at the expense of convenience.
No app can provide absolute impenetrable encryption. But Messenger’s encryption does raise the bar for potential eavesdroppers trying to spy on video calls. Users should decide if Messenger meets their personal threat model or if more security precautions are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Messenger end-to-end encrypted by default?
Yes, Messenger has end-to-end encryption enabled for one-on-one video calls by default. You do not have to enable any setting for this protection to work.
Can Facebook access my Messenger video calls?
No, the content of end-to-end encrypted video calls cannot be accessed by Facebook itself. However, some metadata like who you are calling and call times may be observable by Facebook.
Do calls work if I block someone on Messenger?
No, blocking someone on Messenger will prevent them from being able to initiate a video call with you or receive your call. The block cuts off all communication in both directions.
Can I save or record Messenger video calls?
Messenger does not have a built-in way to save or record your calls. You would need to use a third party app to screen record calls. All participants in the call should consent to being recorded.
Is WiFi or cellular data better for Messenger calls?
WiFi usually provides a more stable connection for high quality video calls. But Messenger can work well over cellular data too unless you are in an area with poor signal. Both encrypt calls equally securely.
Do video calls use a lot of data?
Yes, a Messenger video call will use data comparable to streaming HD video. A 30 minute video call may use 250-500MB of data depending on your connection speed.
Can I make group video calls on Messenger?
Yes, Messenger allows up to 8 participants on a group video call. The same end-to-end encryption applies to secure group calls.
Does Messenger notify contacts when I’m in a call?
No, Messenger does not directly notify your contacts when you are on a call. However, your contacts may be able to infer you are on a call based on seeing when you are online/inactive.
Can I use Messenger for video interviews?
Yes, Messenger works well for professional video interviews and virtual meetings. Just ensure you have a strong internet connection for optimal video/audio quality.
Is it safe for kids to use Messenger video chat?
Messenger requires users to be at least 13 years old. Parents should monitor their minor children’s use of any online communication and teach them about responsible usage.
Does Messenger work on tablets or TVs?
Yes, you can make Messenger video calls from iOS and Android tablets using the Messenger mobile app. You can also make Messenger calls from Portal smart displays.
Can I use Messenger without a phone number?
No, Messenger requires linking a phone number to your account during setup for identity verification. Video calls are also limited to mobile devices and computers/laptops.
Is Messenger video chat free?
Yes, Messenger provides free unlimited video calling. The only cost is any data charges from your carrier if using cellular data.
How many people can join a Messenger Room call?
Messenger Rooms allows up to 50 participants on a video call. However, Room calls are not end-to-end encrypted like one-on-one Messenger video chats.
The Bottom Line
Messenger provides a convenient way to video chat securely using end-to-end encryption. While there are open questions around government access and vulnerabilities, Messenger still represents a significant security upgrade over unencrypted alternatives.
Users should think about their own threat model and expectations for privacy. Messenger may meet the needs of many casual users, while those at higher risk may need tools like Signal instead.
Overall, Messenger rates as a decently safe choice for free and accessible video calling, even if it is not the most hardened against attacks. Following best practices around security hygiene will help users get the most protection out of Messenger encryption.