Google Messages' latest feature added for the instant messaging application is an end-to-end encryption capability for its group chat, with the company making it available for the open beta users. This experience may still deliver the RCS feature, one that centers on a better experience than the traditional text messages or SMS, with privacy for the entire group.
The latest addition to the open beta is massive, as people can turn this feature on or off, centering on the online-based instant messaging feature that aims to improve on cell-based texts.
Google Messages' RCS Group Chats Now Feature End-to-End Encryption
Google's latest blog celebrates the birthday of the first SMS message sent in the world, and it is over 30 years ago since this occasion, with the internet company pushing for the use of RCS. More cleverly, Google attempted to mark this event by pushing their latest feature available for the Google Messages' group chats, it is the arrival of end-to-end encryption.
Also known as the famous E2E encryption, group chats are getting this via the open beta system of the company, centering on a trial phase for now.
The company previously promised this for all in its initial announcement last October for group chats via I/O 2022.
The blog post also takes a jab against Apple for its reluctance to adopt RCS, stating that many companies already made the change with this new text messaging technology.
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How to Enable E2E Encryption for Google Messages Groups
To enable Google Messages' RCS group chats to use E2E encryption, users should first enlist in the beta testing system by going to the Google Play Store's Messages app page and clicking "Become a Tester."
After doing so, they may head to their intended group chats and go to the Group details page and look for the "Status" information where they may toggle it on or off.
RCS, End-to-End, and Google Messages
RCS or Rich Communication Services is a feature that GSMA started for the world, with its early adopters being Google and Android, as well as the famous South Korean tech company, Samsung. It has been a massive debate between Google and Apple for the Cupertino giant to use the feature instead of sticking with their iMessage feature, to connect Android and iOS users in the Messages app.
Google does not have this problem as it already allows this, and users utilizing the Google Messages app can freely use this feature for their needs.
However, the Mountain View company already evolved from the RCS feature alone, centering on the Google Messages app getting the famed end-to-end encryption for its personal or direct messages since 2021.
Other known users of end-to-end encryption include Signal Messenger, Facebook Messenger's private chats, and Telegram's private chats, among many others.
In this age, privacy is a massive thing as almost everyone has their data and information readily available online when enlisting to social media and internet services. Google Messages' open beta allows people to test it out, especially with their groups of peers, families, work, or organizations which could use more privacy in using the Google app.
