Instagram Adds in-Stream Translation for DMs

Instagram has added a new translation option, with users now able to translate their DMs in-stream.

As you can see in this example, shared by Jonah Manzano, you can now translate IG DMs within the app, with a new option enabling you to easily translate any message into your native language.

I mean, it could be a slight concern that any “text from messages that you translate will be shared with Meta to provide translations.” But the information is for the purpose of translation, and Meta wouldn’t use that for any other purpose. Right?

Really, this is the same for all translation elements, that you need to submit the relevant text for any translation, which means sending it out of your inbox, and into some other system.

Meta has provided this explanation of the process:

“When someone in a chat chooses to translate a message, the selected text is sent securely to Meta’s servers in order to provide translations, including in end-to-end encrypted chats. To protect your privacy, we have systems in place to remove most identifying information from message content before it is sent to our servers for translation. Identifying information may include names, dates, credit card numbers and other information.”

So it’s a safe process, but maybe, for your ultra-private texts, you might want to just use Google Translate, if you have concerns.

DM translations could make it much easier, and much faster to respond to people in other languages, providing more opportunity for connection. And for businesses, it may also enable cross-border commerce, by simplifying the connection process with a broader range of consumers.

Either way, it’s a handy addition, which replicates the same on Messenger.

Now only WhatsApp needs to catch up, though the privacy focus of the app could make it a slightly harder sell in this respect.