Facebook Messenger to offer strong encryption

WASHINGTON: Facebook announced Friday it would roll out optional "end to end encryption" for its Messenger application, following a trend aimed at stronger security and protection against snooping. The US technology giant said this feature would be known as "secret conversations" which

can be read only by the sender and recipient. "Providing more ways for people to safely share is an important part of making the world more open and connected," the social network's vice  preident David Marcus said on his Facebook page. "Whether you're asking a doctor for medical advice, sending sensitive account information to your spouse, or even your Social Security number, it's important to have options available for sharing these kinds of very sensitive messages."