Private messages that can disappear are being trialled by Facebook as it experiments with a new option for those using its Messenger app.
They become hidden after a certain period of time chosen by the author, the firm said.
It is part of a new "secret message" service having a limited trial, Facebook announced.
Senders must choose one device to use it on, as messages sent this way are stored on the device itself.
Those flagged to "disappear" will be deleted from the device as well.
"Starting a secret conversation with someone is optional," it said.
"Secret conversations can only be read on one device and we recognise that experience may not be right for everyone."
Facebook shared some screenshot examples of how the new service looks
Facebook listed health and financial issues as examples of messages that people may wish to keep more private - while others have mentioned love affairs.
The idea is being trialled on a "limited basis", Facebook said, but added that it would be more widely available over the summer.
Video and GIFs cannot be shared secretly at the moment.
The service will also have extra features for reporting abuse - and once this is introduced, there will be a delay in the deletion of messages to enable flagging.
"Facebook will never have access to plain text messages unless one participant in a secret conversation voluntarily reports the conversation," it explained in atechnical document.
Tech spec
The service is built on the Signal protocol by Open Whisper Systems, which is widely used by messaging apps, said cybersecurity expert Professor Alan Woodward from Surrey University.
"Signal is well tested and those who developed it are well regarded in the cryptography community," he said.
"But the problem with something effectively becoming an open standard in this way is that if ever a problem were found it could have widespread impact."
Prof Woodward added that the technical report released by Facebook was "not as complete as many would like" in terms of assessing the service's security.
"If I were to choose any messaging system I would look for it to be based on Signal at present.
"However, I'd like to know more about exactly how it is implemented, or at least know that those who can analyse such systems have scrutinised the code."
Latest Stories
-
Newmont reinforces cultural heritage commitment in host communities
2 minutes -
Oti Region records over 10 road accident deaths from January to September this year
7 minutes -
Ecobank Ghana inaugurates ‘Ecobank Retirees Association’: A legacy of fellowship and service
13 minutes -
Optimal OMD appoints Taniya Mondal as MD
27 minutes -
Lekzy DeComic hailed for masterful emceeing at OB Amponsah’s comedy show
29 minutes -
Premier Care Hospital sparks joy with second annual nine lessons and carols night!
29 minutes -
OB Amponsah fills 4,000 capacity Bukom Boxing Arena with comedy special
33 minutes -
Bridging digital and human intellect: Africa’s Path from 4IR to 5IR
38 minutes -
How Newmont’s Learnership Programme empowered Dorcas Oppong to achieve her dreams
46 minutes -
Kenya’s Ruto embraces rivals to shore up support
52 minutes -
The student who blew whistle on Kenya airport controversy
54 minutes -
PwC Ghana spreads festive cheer with inaugural Season of Smiles
58 minutes -
CETAG threatens indefinite strike from Dec 31 over government’s ‘broken promises’
1 hour -
Excitement builds for ‘Beyond the Icons’: A celebration of African legends’ Art and Photo Exhibition
1 hour -
Academic City granted Presidential Charter
1 hour