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Google is testing End to End Encryption

Started Nov 20, 2020 | Discussions
wklee Veteran Member • Posts: 9,950
Google is testing End to End Encryption

https://www.cnet.com/news/google-is-testing-end-to-end-encryption-for-android-text-messages/

Hopefully this will work on older Android phones. I still have a Android 9 phone which cannot be upgraded further.

"Last year, Google revamped text messaging on Android phones, adding modern features like read receipts and typing indicators. The update was made possible by a technology called RCS, or Rich Communication Services, meant to replace SMS, a stalwart but tired protocol that's more than 25 years old. Google on Thursday said it's completed its rollout of RCS globally."

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fotografffic Senior Member • Posts: 1,328
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

If I remember correctly, when Google launched RCS, I didn't opt for it because it offered things I'd never use. I just checked but don't see a setting to turn it on even if I wanted too.

I don't totally understand end-to-end encryption even though I've read about it.

OP wklee Veteran Member • Posts: 9,950
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

fotografffic wrote:

If I remember correctly, when Google launched RCS, I didn't opt for it because it offered things I'd never use. I just checked but don't see a setting to turn it on even if I wanted too.

I don't totally understand end-to-end encryption even though I've read about it.

End to end encryption means than no one else can read the messages as they are sent to one another? In a normal text message it is sent unencrypted.

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I2K4
I2K4 Senior Member • Posts: 1,441
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

My understanding has been RCS deployment and implementation largely depends on pending cooperation of telecoms: needs critical mass participation before it's a reliable replacement for the ordinary SMS / MMS supported on any Android or Apple phone.

Along with encryption, RCS would provide nicer aesthetics for SMS text messages and do away with weird format and file size restrictions between different carriers over standard MMS. (Often videos that can be shared between users of the same carrier will be blocked by a second carrier's network.) At the moment , it requires both sender and receiver to choose to use Google's protocol. There are several other specialized messaging apps like Signal that provide "E2EE" if sender / recipient both agree to use them.

PhotoFactor Veteran Member • Posts: 4,171
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

Pixels already use this (RCS protocol) by default.

Google Messages app is updating to use RCS on other Android phones. You need to use this app. Open the Messages app’s settings. Do this by tapping the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner. Select Settings, then tap Chat features. Finally, Enable chat features to turn RCS messaging on. Tapping this option will cause a new bar to appear. It will show the message Setting up (in orange).

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fotografffic Senior Member • Posts: 1,328
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

Why do I need to to use it? I really don't understand it.

PhotoFactor Veteran Member • Posts: 4,171
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

fotografffic wrote:

Why do I need to to use it? I really don't understand it.

You may not care, but normal SMS doesn't encryp messages and they are theoretically readable by those listening over the airwaves or tapping a phone line.

Also RCS now allows for other functions like better photo and video sharing, and signaling when the other person is typing a response, etc.

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fotografffic Senior Member • Posts: 1,328
Re: Google is testing End to End Encryption

Thank you so very much for the helpful information and instructions. I'll give it a try!

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