Google’s RCS messaging now available globally, end-to-end encryption is coming soon

Google’s RCS-based (Rich Communication Services) messaging is now rolling out worldwide. Integrated within Google’s Messages application, RCS brings new chat features as an upgrade over the traditional SMS text messaging. It supports sending high-quality photos and videos or chatting over Wi-Fi or data. Other basic elements such as read receipts, share reactions, and more are also included.

Apart from a global roll-out, Google is addressing a big concern around RCS-based messaging – privacy. The company said that one-on-one RCS conversations between people using Messages will have end-to-end encryption. It is the same security encryption that the likes of WhatsApp offer to their users. The end-to-end encryption ensures that no one except for the sender and recipient can read the content of your messages.

The end-to-end encryption will roll out to beta testers starting this month and will be extended to next year.

“Your eligible conversations will automatically upgrade to be end-to-end encrypted. End-to-end encryption is only available when both you and the person you’re messaging have Messages installed and chat features on. To learn more about this feature, please visit our help centre,” said Google in a blog post.

Users can start accessing the latest features by updating Messages app to the latest version. Those who do not have the application yet, can also download the app and turn on chat features.

Note that the latest update is in addition to existing features on Messages by Google. Some of the top features of the application include making video calls, messages from the web akin to WhatsApp Web, smart reply and built-in spam protection tools.