Meta to discontinue cross-chat feature between Facebook and Instagram in December 2023

Meta has revealed plans to discontinue the feature that lets users chat with Facebook friends from Instagram. The change, scheduled for mid-December 2023, will officially separate the messaging features of both platforms.

The chat integration between Facebook and Instagram was launched in 2020, but Meta has not revealed why they have decided to end this feature. Some believe it may be to align with the EU's Digital Markets Act and avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.

After the update in December 2023, users will not be able to start new chats or calls with Facebook friends from Instagram, and existing conversations will become read-only. Facebook users will also lose the ability to see the activity status or read receipts of Instagram users.