“We’re always focused on the safety and security of @Google users, and the newest updates to Google Authenticator was no exception. Our goal is to offer features that protect users, BUT are useful and convenient,” said Brand.
He went on to explain that while E2EE provides extra protection, it can also lead to users getting locked out of their own data without recovery. As a result, Google is aiming to strike the right balance for most users and provide significant benefits over offline use.
While there is no timeline for when Google Authenticator will introduce end-to-end encryption, Brand has confirmed that the company has already started rolling out optional E2EE in some of its products. In the meantime, users who are concerned about the lack of encryption can choose to use the app offline until the feature is added.
