Google will finally be making end-to-end encryption available on Google Messages. What this means is that Google Messages users will get an assurance that their messages on the app stay private.
Prior to launching the feature, Google has been testing out how it can improve security for the app. The testing has been ongoing since last year, but back then, only a small number of users were able to access end-to-end encryption.
According to reports, Google will be rolling out the feature to all Messages users starting this week. In order to start using end-to-end encryption, you and the person you are messaging must have the feature enabled and are using the Messages app. Another thing you have to do is to use data or Wi-Fi for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. You will know that the feature is enabled once you see an arrow with a lock icon on the send button whenever you compose a message.
Although end-to-end encryption will keep your messages safe, it does not cover SMS/MMS messages and group messages.
Google says the encryption will convert data into scrambled text that can only be deciphered using a secret key. This secret key is created only on your phone and the device of the person you are messaging. The good thing is that this secret key is not shared with Google or any other device. Once the encrypted message is created, the secret key will be deleted on your device and the recipient’s device once the message has been decrypted.
Are you excited to use this feature on your device?
