Meta’s proposed addition of encryption settings to its Messenger app has run into a backlash from authorities.

Meta says encryption is necessary so that users can “trust that the online conversations that they have with friends and family are private and secure.”

The end-to-end encryption software would allow users to verify access to their chats with a personal code and sync messages across all their devices.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has signalled her opposition to the move, commenting recently that new feature could limit the police’s ability to investigate cybercrimes.

“Parents need to know that their kids will be safe online. The consequences of inadequate protections – especially for end-to-end social media platforms – would be catastrophic” she stated.

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Andy Burrows of the UK’s National Police Chiefs Council said: “Meta’s announcement that they are testing default end-to-end encryption before ensuring effective child safety mitigations are in place will pose an immediate risk to children.”

The proposed change has also faced criticism from groups in the USA where concerns have been raised about end-to-end encryption, especially in the light of Roe v Wade being overturned.

Meanwhile, a suspected glitch was reported in the Facebook algorithm today with user’s news feeds being flooded with posts on celebrity pages from people that they don’t know.

Facebook has around 2.9 billion users worldwide and the problems with the glitch have been reported in Ireland, the UK, Canada, Australia and Mexico.

Facebook said a configuration change caused some people to have trouble with their Facebook Feed.