iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Facebook’s 2019 proposal was to connect the technical foundations of Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram messaging so people could message across services—not to turn them into one app or merge every account and message. The plan prompted questions about how information might flow between services, what Facebook could see, and whether stronger encryption would make safety and moderation harder. The proposal should be distinguished from later, separately dated encryption rollouts and EU interoperability requirements.
What Facebook proposed in 2019
In January 2019, news reports described Facebook as planning to integrate the back-end infrastructure of Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram messaging, with the aim of letting people message across the services. That was a reported plan to connect technical systems and enable cross-service communication—not an announcement that the three apps would become one product or that every user would have a single merged account.
The distinction matters. Connecting infrastructure can change how services route or handle messages, but the proposal by itself does not establish that all account information or message contents were combined. The privacy concern was about what new connections might mean for information flows, service boundaries and future product choices.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why the plan raised privacy concerns
Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram had distinct identities and privacy expectations. WhatsApp messages were encrypted by default, while the encryption status of Messenger and Instagram Direct differed at the time. People therefore had reason to ask whether a shared technical foundation could affect what information Facebook collected or could access, how data might move between services, and whether a change made for one service could influence the others.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
- Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy Filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 to 495 nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
- Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed
Those were concerns about the implications of the plan, not proof that Facebook combined all account data or could read every message. It is also important to separate message content from metadata and other account information: encryption that protects the words or media in a message does not, by itself, show that every related detail is hidden.
What Facebook said encryption would protect
On March 6, 2019, Mark Zuckerberg, then Facebook’s CEO, set out a privacy-focused vision that included private interactions and end-to-end encryption. He wrote: “End-to-end encryption prevents anyone — including us — from seeing what people share on our services.” That is a claim about the contents people share in protected conversations, not a promise that Facebook cannot see metadata, account information or activity outside those conversations.
Rank #2
![[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41SBKw3J4ML._SL160_.jpg)
- 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
- 【ENHANCED PRIVACY PROTECTION】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy filter keeps your electronic information confidential, making it excellent for use in high traffic areas. the computer privacy screen 24 inch is designed with advanced microlouver technology to block visibility at around 30 degrees and black out screens completely near 60 degrees.
- 【EYES PROTECTION】 This blackout privacy screen greatly reduces eye strain and minimizes potential hazards to vision. It filters 99.9% of UV rays and suppresses 98% of blue light. As a reversible 24-inch privacy screen filter: The glossy side of the protector provides extra clarity and greater privacy, and the matte side minimizes glare and distracting reflections. Satisfy your different daily uses as needed.
- 【BETTER HD CLARTIY】Mamol 24 inch computer privacy screen Shield adds an extra layer of AR Ultra HD light transmission compared to others. It maintains the high definition of the screen without sacrificing too much screen brightness. It won't reduce the brightness and cause eye fatigue because of the privacy screen installed on the screen.
- 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
What end-to-end encryption does—and does not—mean
In an end-to-end encrypted conversation, the message is designed to be readable by the participants’ devices rather than by the service carrying it. That can prevent the provider from reading the protected message content in transit. It does not automatically conceal who is communicating, when messages are sent, or other account and service data; nor does it prevent a participant from sharing a message or a device from exposing it.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Encryption status also depends on the service, feature and date. A promise about the intended protection of encrypted messages should not be read as a claim that every message on every Facebook-owned service was encrypted at that time.
Rank #3
- 【Privacy Filter Dimensions】- Width: 20 15/16" (532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (299 mm), Diagonal: 24" (609.6 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, ViewSonic, and other monitor brands. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your computer screen's diagonal size.
- 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed.
- 【Superior Privacy and Anti Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your computer screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
What the FTC order meant for Facebook’s privacy practices
On July 24, 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced a $5 billion penalty and an order requiring Facebook to maintain a privacy program. The order covered Facebook-controlled services, including WhatsApp and Instagram, and required privacy review of new or modified products, services or practices before implementation. It created an oversight framework for privacy practices; the penalty was not a measurement of harm caused by the messaging integration proposal.
How encryption created a safety and law-enforcement debate
Encryption can protect people from interception and make private conversations harder for a provider or other outsiders to read. The same protection can limit the service’s ability to inspect message contents for abuse, detect some harmful material, or provide readable content in response to law-enforcement requests. Meta’s later discussions of expanding encryption acknowledged this tension between private communications and safety systems, moderation and law-enforcement access.
Rank #4
![[2-Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jLN+QeBGL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【Improved Privacy Filter】Protescreen 24 inch privacy screen filter after 200 times updates,Use revolutionary micro-louver technology. The 24 inch computer privacy filter limits viewing angle to +/- 28° and provide clear vision on the front. If see from the sides, the greater the angle the darker the screen.Anyone who tries to peek over the side will only see a dark screen! So with a computer privacy screen protector 24 inch, the privacy of your computer screen will never be leaked.
- 【Package Content】You can get 2pcs 24 inch computer monitor privacy screen filter for a better price! Each package includes 24 inch privacy screen film x2, adhesive strips x2, slide mount tabs x2, alcohol x2, cleaning cloth x2. We are a factory that integrates production, processing and sales, We guarantee that all of our products are premium privacy screen protector. If anything happens, we will send you a new 24 inch monitor privacy screen at absolutely no cost. So you can buy with confidence!
- 【Eyes Protection & Anti scratch】Computer screen privacy shield 24 inch monitor use filtering optical materials imported from Japan can reduce 92% of blue light and 98% of UV light, and filter all harmful light emitted from the screen.The high-transparent and reinforced built-in protective layer not only presents high-definition picture quality, but also protects your screen from scratches.Hurry up and place an order, Own privacy screen for computer monitor 24 inch, Protect your screen and eyes.
- 【Brilliant Anti-glare & Function Options】Our privacy screen protector for computer 24 inch monitor protects your eyes by blocking 95% of reflected light. Create a clear and transparent visual space and reduce eye damage by glare. And It is a reversible privacy screen filter. A matte surface effectively prevents blue light and glare, while a glossy is more privacy-resistant. You can choose flexibly according to your needs. In addition to this it also protects your screen from dust and scratches.
- 【Easy to Install & Reusable】Our 24 inch privacy screen for monitor has 2 uniquely designed installation methods: ① Permanent installation- double sided adhesive tape. Suitable for all computers with a screen aspect ratio of 16:9 and a size of 24 inches. ② Removable installation- slide mount tab. Suitable for computer with raised frame, you can slide the filter in and out of the screen as needed, it provide a quick and easy way to remove your monitor privacy filter when you don't need.
This is a policy trade-off, not evidence that encryption eliminates all safety measures or that access to message content is the only way to address abuse. Product design choices can affect what a provider can inspect, while reporting tools and other safeguards may operate differently. The available material does not establish a single resolution to that broader debate.
What changed after the 2019 proposal
| Date | Milestone | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| December 18, 2018 | Facebook described its platform partnerships. | Facebook said those features did not give companies access to information without people’s permission. This was the company’s own defense, not an independent finding. |
| January 2019 | News reports described plans to connect the back-end infrastructure of Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram messaging. | A reported proposal for cross-service messaging, not proof of a fully merged app or completed integration. |
| March 6, 2019 | Zuckerberg published Facebook’s privacy-focused vision. | He advocated encryption and other privacy principles and said encryption would prevent anyone, including Facebook, from seeing what people shared in protected conversations. |
| July 24, 2019 | The FTC announced its order and a $5 billion penalty. | The order required a privacy program and review of new or modified practices across Facebook-controlled services, including WhatsApp and Instagram. |
| December 2021 and April 2022 | Meta described plans to expand end-to-end encryption and discussed safety trade-offs. | In its 2022 assessment, Meta described WhatsApp as encrypted by default, Messenger encryption as opt-in per thread, and Instagram Direct encryption as not generally available then, with testing underway. These are historical product snapshots. |
| December 2023 | Meta said it began rolling out default end-to-end encryption for personal Facebook and Messenger chats and calls. | Meta also said WhatsApp had been encrypted by default since 2016. The December 2023 statement describes the start of a rollout, not a guarantee about every account or region at that date. |
| March 6, 2024 | Meta explained its intended support for third-party messaging interoperability in Europe. | This EU-specific explanation followed designation under the Digital Markets Act; it is distinct from the 2019 proposal to connect Facebook’s three services. |
What is—and is not—known about the plan’s status
The milestones above do not establish the current, 2026 availability of cross-app messaging or the encryption defaults for every service and region. A December 2023 Axios report said Instagram-to-Facebook cross-app communication was being removed from mid-December, but that dated report cannot establish what is available now. Likewise, Meta’s March 2024 explanation concerns interoperability obligations in Europe, not proof that the original global three-service plan was completed or remains available.
Best Value
- Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
- Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
- Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 - 495nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain. Our laptop privacy screen also helps keep your screen safe from dust and scratches
- Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in high traffic areas such as open work spaces, airports, airplanes, commuter trains, coffee shops and other public places, etc
- Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
Accordingly, the defensible conclusion is limited: Facebook announced an infrastructure-integration plan in 2019, later described service-specific encryption changes, and separately addressed EU interoperability. The sources cited here do not settle today’s cross-app messaging status.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
