Meta’s Threads Testing New Private Messaging Feature

Threads, the Meta Platforms Inc. social network that rivals Elon Musk’s X, is testing a new messaging feature for users to interact privately on the service.

Private messages on Threads will be accessible within the network’s app, and represent a fourth distinct inbox that Meta’s user can access; this type of message can be sent already on Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Threads messages won’t be encrypted at launch, a spokesperson confirmed, and users can receive messages only from their followers or someone they’re connected with on Instagram. Threads originally started as an offshoot of Instagram, and people can use the same network or build a new one.