X has recently announced that it pauses the direct message feature on the platform. Users will no longer send a new encrypted message. Nevertheless, access to previously sent encrypted messages is still possible. When the feature will be active again, it remains uncertain.
This decision was reflected to the public with a brief update at the aid center of X. In the statement of the platform, the existing system will be developed and the feature was suspended in this development process. However, no clear information about which areas would be improved. The company drew attention to remain silent on this issue.
X wants to make its current infrastructure safer
Encrypted messaging could only be used among confirmed and following users. Although this system increased safety on the one hand, it was limiting in terms of accessibility. It was also necessary for users to have sent messages to each other before. In addition, this feature was not valid in group speeches, media files or meta data of messages.
In other words, encryption support had a very narrow comprehensive usage area. However, the platform presented this feature as a ‘early access’ labeled. This showed that the system was still in the trial phase. The unexpected interruptions in the development process was therefore not a surprise.
Xchat, which is claimed to be planned to be available in the future, came to the agenda with this development. It is known that company employees refer to Xchat from time to time in social media sharing. In some leaks, it is suggested that Xchat may allow PIN coded chats as well as encrypted messages. It is thought that such new layers of security can carry X’s messaging infrastructure to a more serious level.
Although there is no official explanation about Xchat, the pause in the current encrypted messaging system may be associated with the preparations of this new platform. However, a direct connection has been established by X. Users demand more information about the interruption in the current system. The fact that X does not make a statement on the subject is growing this uncertainty.
Systemal problems experienced last week did not go unnoticed. After a fire in a facility in Oregon, interruptions occurred in various services of the platform. The message box was among the elements affected by these interruptions. Some updates on the company’s developer page show that these problems cannot be fully solved.
Nevertheless, it cannot be said that encrypted messages are completely eliminated. Users can continue to read encrypted chats in the past. However, it is not possible to start a new encrypted message. This creates a serious restriction for users who prefer safe communication.