Instagram Tests New Feature to Disable Read Receipts in Direct Messages

Potential for Broader Privacy Controls as Instagram Begins Testing Options to Disable Read Receipts in DMs, No Release Date Announced Yet

Instagram, under Meta ownership, is set to enhance user privacy by testing a feature that allows users to disable read receipts in Direct Messages (DMs). This announcement was made by the platform's heads, Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri, through their respective Instagram channels.
Via this feature, users will be able to hide when they've 'seen' a message, contributing to the privacy and control aspect of the platform. The read receipt settings toggle can be accessed under the 'Privacy and Safety' tab within a chat by clicking on the sender's name.
Once enabled, the read receipt toggle will make all future activity private. However, messages sent using the platform's 'vanish mode' will still display read receipts.
The introduction of this feature is in line with user demand for advanced privacy controls within social media applications. However, Meta has not clarified when this option will be available to all users, nor has it specified if the feature will eventually be available within Messenger, another Meta-owned platform.
Meanwhile, Meta also plans to roll out default end-to-end encryption protection for Instagram DMs. The completion of this feature for Messenger is expected by the end of the year, according to the company.