If you’re one of the millions of people who use Facebook Messenger to chat
and share files with friends, you might have noticed something odd today,
May 4, 2023.

Some files and photos that you shared on the messaging app have disappeared
without warning. You’re not alone. Many users have reported similar problems
on social media, forums, and chat groups. What’s going on?

As of 5:58 PM today (Manila Time), Facebook’s parent company Meta has yet to release
an official statement about this glitch. Hence, we don’t really know if FB
is working to restore the missing data and it’s also not clear if all files
can be recovered or how long the process will take.

This incident serves as a reminder that social media platforms are not the
most reliable or secure way to store important files, documents, or photos.
While Messenger and other messaging apps can be convenient for sharing quick
messages and media with friends or colleagues, they should not be your
primary or sole means of file storage.
Here’s why:

Social media platforms are not designed for file storage: Facebook and
other social media sites are primarily designed for social networking, not
file storage or backup. They may have limitations on file size, type, or
duration, and they may compress, resize, or modify your files without your
knowledge or consent. They may also be subject to outages, data breaches, or
other security risks that could compromise your data.

Social media platforms are not private or secure: While most messaging
apps use encryption to protect your messages in transit, they may not offer
end-to-end encryption or other strong security measures to protect your files
at rest. They may also be vulnerable to hacking, phishing, or malware attacks
that can steal your login credentials, access your files, or spread malware to
your contacts.

Social media platforms may change their policies or features: Social
media sites are known for changing their terms of service, privacy policies,
or features without warning or user consent. They may also impose fees, ads,
or other restrictions on their services that could affect your ability to
access or share your files.

So what should you do instead? The best way to store, backup, and share
files is to use dedicated file storage or cloud services that are designed
for that purpose.
Here are some options:

Email: Most email services, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, offer
generous storage space and attachment limits that allow you to send and
receive large files, photos, or documents. You can also use email to store
files in your drafts or sent folders, or to send files to yourself as a backup
or reminder.

Cloud storage: Services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or
iCloud offer free or paid plans that let you upload, sync, and share files
across devices or users. They usually have features such as version history,
password protection, or sharing permissions that give you more control over
your files.

External hard drive: If you prefer to keep your files offline or on a
physical device, you can use an external hard drive or USB drive to store your
files. Make sure to back up your files regularly and keep the drive in a safe
place to avoid loss or damage.

While social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger can be useful for
quick chats and file sharing, they are not a reliable or secure way to store
important files or photos. To avoid losing your data or compromising your
privacy, use dedicated file storage or cloud services that offer more
control and security over your files.
Stay safe!