GSMA to Implement Full Encryption for RCS Messaging Platforms

TLDR:

• The GSM Association (GSMA) is working on implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages sent between Android and iOS ecosystems.
• RCS, an upgrade from SMS, is currently not E2E encrypted, prompting Google to use the Signal protocol for security.

The GSMA is focused on enhancing security for cross-platform messaging by introducing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communications Services (RCS) between Android and iOS devices. Tom Van Pelt, technical director of the GSMA, highlighted the plan to add important user protections. Apple recently integrated RCS support in its Messages app, prompting a move towards encryption. Google’s use of the Signal protocol for secure RCS conversations on Android has set the precedent for this development. Additionally, there are plans to implement the Message Layer Security (MLS) protocol in Google’s Messages app and enable interoperability across messaging services. Meta is also working on ensuring E2EE guarantees in third-party messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. These efforts highlight the industry’s commitment to privacy and security in cross-platform messaging.