Google Messages is working on WhatsApp-like encryption for RCS group chat texts – Times of India

Google Messages is far away from becoming people’s go to texting platform but it seems Google is as serious about improving the app as it is vocal for its support to RCS. The default messaging app from Google has been getting some cosmetic changes over the past few weeks and now reports suggest that the Pixel-phone maker is bringing WhatsApp-like end-to-end encryption to group chats.
Android Authority cites a Redditor who ‘unexpectedly’ got an encrypted message on Google Message app in a group of 20 people. It was later found that end-to-end encryption for the group chat was enabled through Google Messages. Reportedly, in order to get an end-to-end encryption during texting in a group, every member must have end-to-end encryption enabled.
It is also reported that this feature could be in early stages of testing. As per a report by 9to5google, Google announced in May that the messages app would get end-to-end encryption for RCS group chats later this year but in open beta.
It is to be noted that Google introduced end-to-end encryption for RCS on Google Messages in 2020, however, the encryption is currently only for one-on-one conversations. Further, the encryption is supported on the new RCS messaging standard, which became available to all Android users two years ago.

Google has brought a lot of changes to the default message app in recent weeks. Earlier this week, it reportedly added Signal-like indicators instead of Sending, Sent, Delivered, and Read indicators.
The app now shows a single check mark for Sent messages and two check marks for those who are not delivered to everyone in the group. In group messages, either specific mentions of people who saw the message will be seen, or a simple “Read by all” indicator. In one-on-one chats, two filled-in circled check marks indicator will be seen under Read messages.
Furthemore, Google Messages added emoji reactions to SMS and MMS messages last week. Users also started seeing icons for both Google Messages and Google Contacts apps.