news RCS messaging adds end-to-end encryption between Android and iOS

[Cpvr]

When RCS messaging became available on the iPhone with the rollout of iOS 18, the technical director of the GSM Association teased that the next major milestone for the messaging standard is the addition of interoperable end-to-end encryption. Now, six months later, GSMA has released an updated set of specifications for RCS messaging, which includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. The new RCS profile will ensure that messages and files remain safe and confidential when sent between iOS and Android devices.

"...RCS will be the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE between client implementations from different providers. Together with other unique security features such as SIM-based authentication, E2EE will provide RCS users with the highest level of privacy and security for stronger protection from scams, fraud and other security and privacy threats," said Tom Van Pelt, the Technical Director of GSMA. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, gives people a way to send images, videos and audio clips to each other through text across different platforms. Google’s implementation of RCS has had default end-to-end encryption for both one-on-one and group chats since early 2024, but only if all participants are using Google Messages with RCS chats turned on. Meanwhile, iMessages are already protected by E2EE.

In a statement sent to 9to5Mac, Apple said that it was "pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA." It also vowed to add support to end-to-end encryption to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS "in future software updates." Without a definite timeframe, it's hard to say when Apple is rolling out an update to support the security feature, but when it does, it will prevent third parties from intercepting and accessing potentially sensitive and private messages.

Source: https://www.engadget.com/cybersecur...yption-between-android-and-ios-120020005.html

 

[lens]

The end-to-end description for RCS messaging is going to be a game changer. This means that we don't need to worry about our sensitive information being seen by unwanted eyes and the good thing is that it works perfectly with iOS and Android devices. With this out in the market, there is every possibility that it will give WhatsApp and signal a run for their money.

 

[TheRealHele]

The end-to-end description for RCS messaging is going to be a game changer. This means that we don't need to worry about our sensitive information being seen by unwanted eyes and the good thing is that it works perfectly with iOS and Android devices. With this out in the market, there is every possibility that it will give WhatsApp and signal a run for their money.

Absolutely RCS with end -to -end encryption is a big step forward and privacy is non negotiable now.
The fact that it works across Android and iOS makes it super confinient too.
if it keeps improving i can definitely see it challenging apps like signal

 

[lens]

@TheRealHele This wonderful feature will make RCS strong contender in the messaging space and if this continue to improve and gain adoption by many people, it could give WhatsApp and Signal a run for their money

 

[mokhtar]

When RCS messaging became available on the iPhone with the rollout of iOS 18, the technical director of the GSM Association teased that the next major milestone for the messaging standard is the addition of interoperable end-to-end encryption. Now, six months later, GSMA has released an updated set of specifications for RCS messaging, which includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. The new RCS profile will ensure that messages and files remain safe and confidential when sent between iOS and Android devices.

The development process is still ongoing by the company, and I believe that soon we will see new developments announced by the company in the messaging system

 

[Harsh World]

End-to-end encryption is great to prevent the ordinary attacks or breaches that would typically occur from unscrupulous actors obtaining private information.

However, if you don't think there's a way in, or a way to intercept messages (and possibly decode them or just store them for future reference, for when it's possible to at scale with [quantum] computing power), I have a bridge to sell you.

 

[Ja sa bong]

I don't usually communicate using text message, it's once in a while thing for me. It was a few days ago when I tried sending a text to my friend in USA I found out that RCS messaging have upgraded to having end-to-end encryption like most chat messengers. It's a good upgrade I would say.

 

[ActionAce]

We need the end-to-end encryption because it will help add an extra layer of security for cross platform chatting.

 

[Niyi Brixx]

I prefer the age long SMS. I don't want to be using data subscription to be sending messages when I am not using an instant messenger. I am seriously not a big fan of RCS messaging. I prefer to use WhatsApp if I need end to end encrypted messaging.