Initiate recently, Google starts rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in group chats for Messenger users that have been enrolled in the beta program.
Yesterday ( 01/06/23), during the CES 2023 Vegas push. Google revealed that it has “completed [its] rollout of group chat end-to-end encryption for users in Open Beta” in just over a month.
While talking about the features then as compared to other A/B tested features. The company has been more clear about E2EE availability:
- React with any emoji
- Gallery-focused redesign of its photo picker
- New design for delivered and read indicators
- React to SMS
As per an earlier report, it was supposed to come in June 2021. While Google depicts that it was coming to group chats at I/O 2022. Also, in October, the company claims the initial availability of the security feature was still on track for this year. And the same going to continue rolling out in 2023.
Features that going to get through this Open Beta Program
Google recently disclosed that it “will be available to some users in the open beta program over the coming weeks”. Group conversation will depict a “This chat is now end-to-end encrypted” banner. Whereas, its lock icon seems to appear on the send button. It also showcases the information on the Group details page.
This results in Google won’t able to read the contents of your RCS chats during transit between the sender and receivers. On the other hand, E2EE requires all parties to have RCS/Chat features enabled as well as data/Wi-Fi enabled.
Alternatively, the company assures that “Messages will let you react to RCS messages with any emoji.” Meanwhile, this going to be coming soon even has already been spotted by some users.
Notably, these two announcement came to disclose on the 30th anniversary of a software engineer sending the world’s first SMS message. Predictably, Google used to adopt the brief opportunity to push Apple on RCS adoption. “Most of the mobile world is using RCS, but there is one company that’s dragging its heels.”
Hopefully Apple can #GetTheMessage so we don’t have to keep waiting to remove the whole “green-versus-blue bubble” thing. Happy birthday, SMS – you were a great start, and you had a good run, but everyone is ready for an upgrade.
