If you’re used to using the Messenger app for macOS and Windows, it’s best to go back to the browser, as Meta is shutting down the program. Those who are using the desktop version of the messaging app only have until 15 December before it is fully shut down.
According to US news outlets, Meta reached out to their respective publications and informed them of the shutdown. This move was said to help push users to adopt the browser version of the messaging service.
As per a report, users of the desktop app will receive a notification “once the deprecation process begins”. The help page for the app reads that “You will have 60 days to use … before it is fully deprecated.”
Once the 60-day countdown is over, users will be blocked from using the app and instead will be redirected to the Facebook or Messenger websites on the browser. Meta also recommends deleting the app, as it will no longer be usable moving forward.
Engadget also received the same information about the app closure but emphasised the fact that Meta did not provide any proper explanation as to why the media giant is doing this. In the same article, the publication also shared how to secure your chats in preparation for the move.
To secure your account, you need to click the gear icon above the profile picture. Then click “End-to-end encrypted chats” under “privacy and safety”. Afterwards, click on the “Message storage” and toggle on “Turn on secure storage”.
To perhaps prevent anyone from getting any funny ideas, Meta has already pulled the desktop app download for both Windows and Mac. However, it is worth mentioning that the mobile versions of the app will remain untouched.
(Source: Engadget, AppleInsider)
