After extensive testing, Google has announced a significant enhancement to its Android and Wear OS Messages app: end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is now enabled by default for all group chats with RCS (Rich Communication Services) enabled. This move is designed to bolster the privacy of group conversations by ensuring that only participants within the group can access and read the messages. While this encryption offers robust protection, it’s important to note that certain vulnerabilities, such as sharing screenshots or showing messages to others in close proximity, can still compromise privacy.
Google has clarified that RCS will now be activated by default for both new and existing users, provided they haven’t previously deactivated RCS in their app settings. Therefore, it’s advisable to verify that all participants within a group have not opted out of RCS before engaging in discussions involving sensitive information.
End-to-end encryption has been a long-standing feature in one-on-one conversations, and extending this safeguard to group chats is a positive development. Nonetheless, there’s a compatibility limitation when it comes to cross-platform messaging between Android and iOS devices. Despite Google’s efforts, Apple has chosen to maintain its encryption approach through iMessage rather than adopting RCS. Consequently, seamless E2EE-enabled group chats can only be achieved if all members of the group are using either Android or iOS devices. Otherwise, utilizing a third-party application like Signal would be an alternative option.
