As has been extensively reported lately, cross-platform RCS messaging is not end-to-end encrypted, which is why iOS and Android customers ought to think about using third-party apps like WhatsApp or Sign to textual content one another.
With Verizon  retiring its proprietary app and AT&T and, to some extent, Samsung planning on doing the identical to encourage Google Messages adoption, you’d count on extra transparency from Google about which conversations are protected. Nevertheless, as Daring Fireball notes, Google Messages continues to be promoted as an app with end-to-end encryption assist, regardless of this being solely partially true.Google Messages solely helps end-to-end encryption over RCS, offered the individual on the different finish additionally has a latest model of the app. The app doubles down on the declare by mentioning “Information is encrypted in transit” and “Your knowledge is transferred over a safe connection.”
Once more, that is not a false assertion, however these safety practices solely apply if you end up texting somebody who additionally makes use of Google Messages.
A mean consumer who would not comply with tech information will take the declare for what it’s and assume they’re following the FBI and CISA’s tips through the use of Google Messages. Even texting solely different Android customers won’t be adequate to guard towards eavesdropping from Chinese language hackers as end-to-end encryption isn’t obtainable for SMS or when texting somebody who makes use of an RCS shopper different the Google Messages.
Google ought to be extra clear about these particulars, as a substitute of unintentionally protecting its customers at nighttime.
