Playing catch up, Line finally adds a must-have feature before IPO

Messaging app Line announced today that end-to-end encryption will be a default feature starting from tomorrow. Users will need to update the app to the latest version for it to take effect.

Line first announced the feature back in October but until now both parties needed to activate it in order to work. Rivals like WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessenger have already had end-to-end encryption for some time.

Line also stated it would be sunsetting its Snapchat and Telegram-like feature of auto deleting “hidden chat” messages with the rollout. This is surprising because the two features seem unrelated but Line mentioned in a follow up email that focus group interviews showed the feature was no longer needed.

Line is currently preparing for an IPO in a rare dual listing on the New York and Tokyo stock exchanges. Privacy concerns may have posed a risk to Line’s initial price, hence the timing. In 2014 Line refuted claims from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in Thailand that the government could monitor users’ messages. Line claimed that messages were encrypted and could not be monitored by a third party. Tech in Asia confirmed that Line was referring to client-to-server encryption at the time.

Line’s offices in Tokyo were raided earlier this year in a “routine” inspection over its use of virtual in-game currencies. With the added security feature and expected New York listing, Line might want to prepare for an FBI subpoena as well.

Update on July 2 2016, 9:20pm JST: Article was updated to include responses from Line.