Google Plans to Introduce Cross-Platform End-to-End Encryption for RCS Chats

Following the recent rollout of RCS on the iPhone, Google is now focusing on implementing new features, including cross-platform end-to-end encryption (E2EE) between Android and iPhone devices.

The GSMA, the governing body for mobile operators worldwide, has stated that the next major milestone for the RCS Universal Profile is to incorporate user protections such as interoperable end-to-end encryption.

“This will be the first deployment of standardized, interoperable messaging encryption between different computing platforms, addressing significant technical challenges such as key federation and cryptographically-enforced group membership. Additionally, users will benefit from stronger protections from scam, fraud, and other security threats.” – GSMA

Google has announced its commitment to collaborating with the broader ecosystem to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats at the earliest opportunity. Currently, the Google Messages app on Android offers its own end-to-end encryption for RCS 1:1 and group conversations but not for chats with iPhone users.

“We’re proud to have offered end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in Google Messages with RCS since 2020. We believe that E2EE is a critical component of secure messaging, and we have been working with the broader ecosystem to bring cross-platform E2EE to RCS chats as soon as possible. Google is committed to providing a secure and private messaging experience for users, and we remain dedicated to making E2EE standard for all RCS users regardless of the platform.” – Google

Last year, Google outlined its plans to support the MLS protocol for interoperable end-to-end encrypted messaging.

Upon the announcement of RCS for the iPhone, Apple expressed its interest in collaborating with GSMA members to incorporate encryption into the standard.

Google has also expressed its anticipation for Apple to introduce features such as the ability to react to media, reply directly to messages in group chats, and more. The RCS Universal Profile 2.7, finalized in June, introduced two new features:

• “Enabling Replies and Reactions (including Custom Reactions) to sent and received messages”
• “Allowing the message sender to Edit, Recall, and Delete messages that they sent earlier for themselves and the message recipient”