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# Elon Musk's Twitter to Add Open-Source Signal Protocol for Encrypted DMs
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/twitter-signal/
- Published: 2022-11-28T10:41:21.000Z
- Updated: 2022-11-29T06:50:38.000Z
- Description: Elon Musk confirms that encrypted DMs are coming soon! Good stuff there.
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Privacy 🛡️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

Earlier this year, Elon Musk [tweeted](https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1519469891455234048?ref=itsfoss.com) that Twitter DMs needed end-to-end encryption like Signal.

Even back in 2016, **Edward Snowden** [asked](https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/808736772830195713?ref=itsfoss.com) **Jack Dorsey**, former CEO and Co-Founder of Twitter, to add something similar to the platform.

But, it never came to be. It was probably tested but never implemented.

With a recent announcement (kind of), this seems to be coming to fruition😌

Elon shared a few slides from his company talks, which included '**Encrypted DMs**' for the platform with the Twitter 2.0 roadmap.

## 🔒 Signal Protocol to Twitter DMs

![twitter encrypted dms](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/11/Encrypted_DM_Twitter.jpg)

Image Credits: [Elon Musk](https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref=itsfoss.com)

While some tinkerers like [Jane Manchun Wong](https://twitter.com/wongmjane?ref=itsfoss.com)(security researcher) found code references to the [Signal Protocol](https://github.com/signalapp/libsignal?ref=itsfoss.com) in Twitter's iOS and Android applications.

Elon Musk confirmed the plan for it in a [tweet](https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1596718851097755648?ref=itsfoss.com) about the improvements set to come to the platform under the '**Twitter 2.0**' roadmap.

In other words, Elon confirmed that encrypted DMs are coming soon.

![twitter dm signal protocol](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2022/11/Signal_Protocol_Twitter.jpg)

Image Credits: [Jane Manchun Wong](https://twitter.com/wongmjane?ref=itsfoss.com)

**For those who don't know:** Signal Protocol is an open-source cryptographic protocol that allows the implementation of end-to-end encryption in a perfect forward secrecy ([PFS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward%5Fsecrecy?ref=itsfoss.com)) manner.

The protocol uses a '*Double Ratchet algorithm*' where two parties exchange encrypted messages based on a constantly changing shared secret key.

This ensures that no third party can access the message's contents, as the shared keys only exist on the devices of the two parties.

The [Signal](https://signal.org/en/?ref=itsfoss.com) app makes the best of it. However, you do have several privacy-focused alternatives if you want to explore:

[Looking to Ditch WhatsApp? Here are 5 Better Privacy Alternatives to WhatsAppConcerned about your privacy after WhatsApp’s latest announcement about data sharing with Facebook? Here are encrypted messaging service to secure your privacy.![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cropped-Logo-redsigned-without-name-270x270.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/messaging-services.jpg)](https://itsfoss.com/private-whatsapp-alternatives/)

**How can it help with Twitter DMs?** 

Well, it can make Twitter a more secure platform by preventing malicious actors and governments from snooping around the messages of Twitter users. 

The implementation of Encrypted DMs can be beneficial for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who are constantly at risk of being censored or targeted for their work.

Sure, encrypted DMs may not be the most extreme protection measure in terms of privacy. **But it is better than nothing.**

### Related Read 📖

[12 Simple Tools to Protect Your Privacy - It’s FOSSQuick way to enhance online privacy? Use these simple tools to easily take control of your data.![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cropped-Logo-redsigned-without-name-270x270.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/privacy-tools-ft.jpg)](https://itsfoss.com/privacy-tools/)

## 🔏 Encrypted Messaging Should be the Standard

In these turbulent times, we see more malicious actors trying to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information than ever before.

Support for End-to-end encryption should be the de facto standard for all messaging platforms, and I hope that Twitter adds it soon.

*Thoughts? Feel free to share what you think in the comments down below.*