A Brief Look at The Rise of Encrypted Messaging and Why it Matters

Encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and iMessage have reshaped how people connect, offering secure ways to chat with friends, family, or even the group from the Friday night poker game. Before these platforms became everyday tools, keeping digital conversations private wasn’t uncommon.

In the 1990s, encryption technology was so closely guarded that it was considered “munitions” under U.S. law, meaning sending secure code across borders was treated almost like shipping weapons. Imagine facing legal trouble just for sharing a way to keep emails private!

As the internet grew, so did the demand for privacy. People began questioning why their private conversations needed to be open to prying eyes. A wave of developers and activists fought to make encryption accessible, pushing for the right to protect personal messages.

This was no small feat, with governments and tech giants involved in lengthy debates. Nowadays, messaging apps like Telegram have become renowned for the way they champion user privacy. In fact, Telegram has grown so far beyond a typical messenger that it can now host its own decentralized gaming apps directly from the platform.

For example, platforms like TGCasino have proven to be massively popular. It allows users to access a full-fledged online crypto casino directly from Telegram, play their favorite games seamlessly by using cryptocurrency, providing instant withdrawals and a host of other cool features that make it popular among users who prefer privacy, such as anonymous play.

However, long before blockchain technology made these kinds of advancements possible, in the early 2000s, encryption was finally earning a place in the mainstream. Court rulings began softening the strict regulations, and soon, people could download and use encryption software as easily as installing a game on their phones.

Then came the explosion of smartphones, and suddenly, apps like WhatsApp were essential, allowing users to send texts, photos, and videos worldwide. WhatsApp’s 2014 acquisition by Meta gave encrypted messaging a huge push, making it one of the most popular messaging platforms globally. Now, nearly a third of the world’s population uses secure messaging, a huge step towards prioritizing personal privacy.

But even as encryption becomes more common, it remains a topic of heated debate. While it’s easy to appreciate the benefits—like keeping private conversations safe—law enforcement agencies have valid concerns. In 2023, when Meta incorporated encryption for Facebook Messenger, some agencies, including the FBI, raised alarms.

They warned that full encryption could make it difficult to monitor harmful content. A coalition of agencies openly criticized Meta. The balancing act between privacy and security became even more complex. Governments worldwide have proposed solutions, though they have yet to be widely adopted.

One of these, known as “client-side scanning,” would theoretically allow devices to detect harmful material before encrypted messages. Apple considered rolling out this feature on iPhones in 2021, but public outcry from privacy advocates put the brakes on the plan. The concern? Such scanning could open doors to even more surveillance.

The story of encrypted messaging reflects a powerful shift toward valuing privacy. Today, people are far more aware of data protection and see privacy as a basic right rather than a luxury. While encryption empowers billions globally, it also places new challenges on governments and tech companies alike.