Neowin

Instagram is working on the ability to disable seen status for direct messages in the app. The seen status indicator allows users to know whether their messages have been read by the recipient.

Instagram is bringing some changes to its message requests feature that keeps unwanted senders from the inbox. The feature won't allow unknown users to send you unlimited message requests.

The freshly launched app Threads doesn't offer its users the ability to send direct messages. According to Instagram's head, as of now, they don't have any plans to build another inbox for the users.

Twitter's encrypted DMs are now available for eligible users on the latest versions of its app for mobile and web. The feature only works for verified users, verified organizations, and affiliates.

Slack has announced a handful of new capabilities for Slack Connect, which lets you communicate with people outside your organization. Now, you can send DMs to anyone from another company.

Google today announced that it's adding a direct messaging service right into Google Photos. The idea is to make it easier to share your photos, and also for people to like or comment on them.

Twitter is testing an end-to-end encrypted system for its DMs, currently dubbed "Secret Conversations". This could ensure that no one but the participants in a conversation can read its messages.