Tue Nov 18 11:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

X (Formerly Twitter) Launches Enhanced, Encrypted Direct Messaging Amid Security Concerns and “Everything App” Ambitions

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has announced the widespread rollout of its updated Direct Message (DM) interface, boasting improved end-to-end encryption and a range of new features aimed at rivalling other messaging platforms. The company claims its enhanced security features surpass competitors on the market.

The updated chat feature, previously dubbed “X Chat” during a brief test phase, includes capabilities such as end-to-end encrypted chats, file sharing, the ability to edit, delete, or send disappearing messages, and screenshot blocking. Users can also initiate video chats. Voice memos are reportedly in development.

This move represents a key component of Elon Musk’s vision to transform X into an “everything app,” mirroring the functionalities of platforms like WeChat. However, doubts remain whether Musk will be successful in his endeavour, given his public standing and questions about X’s back-end infrastructure.

X initially launched DM encryption for Premium subscribers last year, but it was labeled “clunky” by Musk himself. In June, the company relaunched encrypted DMs to X Premium users after a significant overhaul of its back-end messaging system. Despite these efforts, security experts have raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities within X’s encryption process.

Musk’s ultimate goal is to establish X as a personal banking hub, enabling users to apply for loans and manage savings accounts directly within the app. However, this ambition relies on building user trust and security, which could be difficult. Musk has also criticized competitors like WhatsApp, claiming they contain “hooks for advertising” that compromise security. What Musk refers to are webhooks, which help businesses stay on top of WhatsApp DMs within their own chats, but are not available for personal accounts.

Whether X can successfully navigate these challenges and gain widespread adoption of its enhanced DM system remains to be seen. As a step forward, Social Media Today offers a free newsletter, providing readers with the latest updates and analysis of the social media landscape.

Read More