Fresh Take on End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages
Apple Intends to Secure Communication Between Android and iPhone Users via Full-Scale RCS Message Encryption
It's been just aint even a year's worth of days since iPhones got the green light to chat with Android devices without a hitch, and now proper end-to-end encryption is finally here. About bloody time, eh? The GSM Association has unveiled some fresh specifications for RCS that require it to be end-to-end encrypted (E2EE), using a nifty protocol called Messaging Layer Security (MLS). According to the press release, the aim is to give users the max privacy and security.
The new specs will utilize RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a universal cross-platform encryption protocol that'll make it a breeze for iPhone and Android devices to identify each other. This profile opens up the possibility for deeper linking, upgraded audio codecs for voice messages, and a hassle-free way to ditch a subscription text thread. The protocol will keep all the high-resolution messaging features from the initial RCS rollout, such as read receipts, typing indicators, group messaging, and photo-sending without compromising quality.
Apple has said they're on board with end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and plan to bring it to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future updates. Shane Bauer, an Apple spokesperson, told The Verge, "End-to-end encryption is a top-notch privacy and security technology that iMessage has boasted since day one, and now we're stoked to have played a part in pushing the industry towards E2EE for the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA." For Android users, E2EE for RCS texts has been the norm since day one.
Let's break it all down. Your messages to Android pals won't be waltzing through Apple's servers anymore. They'll travel on a secure highway, encrypted all the way to their destination. But, a heads-up: don't forget to enable Advanced Data Protection for your iCloud backups to keep Apple from sneaking peeks at your conversations – not that they would, at least not without a subpoena. But remember, we're mainly talking in theory here. This option guarantees that all data backup to iCloud is encrypted.
- The GSM Association has revealed new specifications for RCS, requiring end-to-end encryption, using a protocol called Messaging Layer Security (MLS), to ensure maximum privacy and security for users.
- Apple has announced its support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging and plans to implement this feature in future updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
- With the new RCS specs, high-resolution messaging features, such as read receipts, typing indicators, group messaging, and photo-sending, will be maintained, while ensuring the encrypted transmission of messages between iPhone and Android devices.
- To strengthen privacy further, it's essential for iPhone users to enable Advanced Data Protection for their iCloud backups, which guarantees that all data backup to iCloud is encrypted.
