diff --git a/app/javascript/mastodon/features/compose/containers/warning_container.js b/app/javascript/mastodon/features/compose/containers/warning_container.js
index efaa02e9e..88f816da4 100644
--- a/app/javascript/mastodon/features/compose/containers/warning_container.js
+++ b/app/javascript/mastodon/features/compose/containers/warning_container.js
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ const WarningWrapper = ({ needsLockWarning, hashtagWarning, directMessageWarning
     return <Warning message={<FormattedMessage id='compose_form.hashtag_warning' defaultMessage="This toot won't be listed under any hashtag as it is unlisted. Only public toots can be searched by hashtag." />} />;
   }
   if (directMessageWarning) {
-    return <Warning message={<FormattedMessage id='compose_form.direct_message_warning' defaultMessage='This toot will only be visible to all the mentioned users.' />} />;
+    return <Warning message={<FormattedMessage id='compose_form.direct_message_warning' defaultMessage='This toot will only be sent to all the mentioned users. However, the operators of your instance and any receiving instances may see this message.' />} />;
   }
 
   return null;
diff --git a/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/en.json b/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/en.json
index aaad4f69c..478caaaf8 100644
--- a/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/en.json
+++ b/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/en.json
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
   "column_header.unpin": "Unpin",
   "column_subheading.navigation": "Navigation",
   "column_subheading.settings": "Settings",
-  "compose_form.direct_message_warning": "This toot will only be visible to all the mentioned users.",
+  "compose_form.direct_message_warning": "This toot will only be sent to the mentioned users. However, the operators of yours and any of the receiving instances may inspect this message.",
   "compose_form.hashtag_warning": "This toot won't be listed under any hashtag as it is unlisted. Only public toots can be searched by hashtag.",
   "compose_form.lock_disclaimer": "Your account is not {locked}. Anyone can follow you to view your follower-only posts.",
   "compose_form.lock_disclaimer.lock": "locked",
diff --git a/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/fr.json b/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/fr.json
index 7da46f96f..05bfe27dc 100644
--- a/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/fr.json
+++ b/app/javascript/mastodon/locales/fr.json
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
   "column_header.unpin": "Retirer",
   "column_subheading.navigation": "Navigation",
   "column_subheading.settings": "Paramètres",
-  "compose_form.direct_message_warning": "Ce pouet sera uniquement visible à tous les utilisateurs mentionnés.",
+  "compose_form.direct_message_warning": "Ce pouet sera uniquement envoyé aux utilisateur·rice·s mentionné·e·s. Cependant, les opérateur·rice·s de votre instance et des instances réceptrices pourront inspecter ce message.",
   "compose_form.hashtag_warning": "Ce pouet ne sera pas listé dans les recherches par hashtag car sa visibilité est réglée sur \"non-listé\". Seuls les pouets avec une visibilité \"publique\" peuvent être recherchés par hashtag.",
   "compose_form.lock_disclaimer": "Votre compte n’est pas {locked}. Tout le monde peut vous suivre et voir vos pouets privés.",
   "compose_form.lock_disclaimer.lock": "verrouillé",