Twitter has released a document outlining the details of its encrypted direct messages feature.
Notably, users will need to pay for this feature, unlike other platforms like WhatsApp that offer encryption for free.
The document specifies that encrypted DMs are only accessible to verified users, verified organizations, or affiliates of verified organizations who pay a monthly fee.
Both the sender and recipient must have the latest version of the Twitter app, and the recipient must follow, have messaged, or accept a DM request from the sender in order to receive encrypted messages.
Currently, encrypted messages can only be sent in one-on-one conversations, but Twitter plans to extend the feature to groups in the near future. It is important to note that only text and links can be sent as encrypted messages.
However, Twitter cautions that it does not offer protection against man-in-the-middle attacks. This means that if an encrypted conversation were compromised by a malicious insider or as a result of a legal process, neither the sender nor the receiver would be aware of the breach.