Google Messages Gains MLS Encryption Support for One-on-One RCS Conversations

Google Messages has just gotten a major security boost with the addition of MLS encryption support for one-on-one RCS conversations.

This means that messages sent between two users in Google Messages will now be encrypted end-to-end, making it much harder for hackers or snoopers to intercept and read them.

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which is a more advanced messaging system than traditional SMS. It allows for features like high-quality video and audio, as well as read receipts and typing indicators.

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Google Messages is gearing up to implement MLS encryption, a major step towards cross-platform end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations. This update is part of Google's efforts to address the lack of cross-platform encryption in RCS messaging.

The MLS protocol, adopted by Google, Apple, and the GSMA, enables end-to-end encryption between different RCS-supported messaging apps. Google is now testing MLS encryption in its beta version of Google Messages, with the feature currently available only to select beta users.

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The new encryption standard will display technical information on the "View details" page, including the encryption protocol value. A value of 1 means the message uses MLS encryption, while a value of 0 refers to Google's traditional approach.

Google Messages is redesigning its UI to show technical information about messages, including the encryption protocol value. This new design is currently only available in the beta channel and is not widely rolled out.

The "bugle.enable_zinnia_in_conversations" flag, used to enable MLS encryption, sets the encryption protocol value to 1, indicating that MLS encryption is in use. This flag is currently only available for one-to-one conversations, while group chats remain set to 0.

Here's a quick rundown of what MLS encryption does:

With MLS encryption, messages sent between users are encrypted in such a way that only the sender and recipient (or recipients, in the case of group chats) can read them. This ensures the privacy of messages and strengthens security in RCS conversations.

Google Messages is gearing up to implement MLS encryption on its messaging platform, and beta users are already seeing the new feature in action.

The MLS encryption works for both one-on-one chats and group conversations, making it a major step forward for cross-platform RCS chat privacy.

The "View details" page in Google Messages has also been redesigned to display technical information such as Type and Encryption Protocol.

A value of 1 means the message uses MLS encryption, and 0 refers to Google's traditional approach.

Google Messages is currently testing MLS encryption in its beta version, and it's unclear when the feature will become widely available.

The new "Details" page in Google Messages shows a "Status" section for "Sent" and "Delivered" that explains the new checkmarks.

The "Type" label shows "End-to-End Encrypted Rich Communication Service message", while the "Encryption Protocol" value is set to 1, indicating MLS encryption.

Here's a breakdown of the new "Details" page: