IPhone and Android customers will have the ability to change RCS messages from the tip to the tip (E2EE) within the close to future, because of the latest RCS specs. The GSM Affiliation has introduced that the most recent RCS commonplace contains E2EE primarily based on the safety layers of the messaging layers (MLS), permitting interoperable encryption between completely different platform suppliers for the primary time.
The GSM Affiliation mentioned it began to work to permit E2EE on the messages despatched between Android and iPhone in September final 12 months. E2Ee is a characteristic of confidentiality and safety that stops third events, reminiscent of messenger suppliers or cell carriers, to view the content material of your texts. GSMA says the brand new RCS commonplace has been developed in collaboration with “cellular operators, producers of know-how gadgets and suppliers”, together with Apple.
“The top of the tip is a robust know-how of privateness and safety that Imessage has supported from the start, and now we’re delighted to assist lead an effort to deliver END-to-end to the Common RCS profile printed by GSMA,” mentioned Apple’s spokesman. “We’ll add assist for END-to-end RCS Encrypted Messages at iOS, iPados, Macos and Watchos in future software program updates.”
Apple has launched RCS assist for iPhone as a part of an iOS 18 replace in September. Whereas the Apple’s Imassage Proprietor has already accepted E2EE, this has not been prolonged to the RCS messenger, because the earlier RCS commonplace didn’t present a number of platform help. Google Messages additionally activated E2EE by default for RCS texts, however solely the conversations between Google Message customers have been E2EE, and never these modified with Imessage customers or customers of different RCS prospects on Android.
“We’re at all times dedicated to offering a secure messaging expertise, and Google Message Customers have had RCS messenger on the finish (E2EE) for years,” mentioned Google spokesman, Ed Fernandez Verta. “We’re delighted to have this up to date specification from GSMA and to work as quickly as attainable with the cellular ecosystem to implement and lengthen this vital safety of customers to the A number of RCS messenger.”
Replace, March 14: Added a press release from Google.