Google Messages rolls out group chat E2E encryption in beta

starting at this time, Google is rolling out finish-to-finish encryption (E2EE) in group chats for Messages clients enrolled inside the beta program.

replace 1/6/23: Amid the CES/Las Vegas push, Google at this time mentioned it has “accomplished [its] rollout of group chat finish-to-finish encryption for clients in Open Beta” in simply over a month.

as in contrast with completely different A/B examined options, the agency has been extra clear about E2EE availability:

unique 12/2/22: RCS conversations between two people picked up E2EE in June of 2021, and Google mentioned it was coming to group chats at I/O 2022. In October, the agency mentioned preliminary availability of the safety attribute was nonetheless on monitor for this 12 months and that it ought to proceed rolling out in 2023.

Google at this time mentioned it “shall be out there to some clients inside the open beta program over the approaching weeks.” Group conversations will attribute a “This chat is now finish-to-finish encrypted” banner, whereas a lock icon seems on the ship button. there’ll even be knowledge inside the Group particulars website.

consequently, Google (or third events) can not be taught the contents of your RCS chats all by way of transit between the sender and receivers. E2EE requires all events to have RCS/Chat options enabled and knowledge/Wi-Fi enabled.

in the meantime, the agency confirmed that “Messages will allow you to react to RCS messages with any emoji.” that is coming “quickly” and has already been noticed by some clients.

These two bulletins come on the thirtieth anniversary of a computer software engineer sending the world’s first SMS message. Unsurprisingly, Google used at this time as a brief alternative to push Apple on RCS adoption: “a complete lot of the cell world is using RCS, however there’s one agency that’s dragging its heels.”

Hopefully Apple can #GetTheMessage so we don’t ought to protect ready to take away the complete “inexperienced-versus-blue bubble” factor. pleased birthday, SMS – you have been an unimaginable start, and also you had an excellent run, however everyone seems to be ready for an improve.