Google Enables End-to-End Encryption for RCS Chats, Boosts User Security

Breaking Down the Latest Google Messages Update: MLS Encryption and RCS

TL;DR

• The latest Google Messages beta now supports MLS encryption, marking a major step towards E2EE interoperability across apps and platforms.
• We managed to enable MLS for one-on-one RCS conversations, but not for group chats yet.
• This signals that MLS encryption support could be on the horizon for Google Messages.

Google recently announced support for Messaging Layer Security (MLS) encryption as a new standard for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) across apps and platforms for one-on-one and group chats. We’ve seen Google Messages take strides to incorporate MLS encryption for RCS to finally enable E2EE interoperability. And it seems that this dream of E2EE interoperability is now within reach, as we’ve successfully flipped on MLS encryption within Google Messages for one-to-one conversations.

What Does This Mean for You?

MLS encryption is a vital step towards secure and private communication on Google Messages. This update will ensure that your conversations remain protected and resistant to eavesdropping, tampering, and other potential threats. While this breakthrough is exciting, it’s essential to remember that MLS encryption is still a work-in-progress, and we’ll need to wait until it becomes available to users.

Enabling MLS Encryption in Google Messages

To enable MLS encryption, we utilized an APK teardown to look into the latest Google Messages v20250106 beta. Within this version, we spotted a new flag that handles the MLS encryption protocol. By flipping on this flag, we could successfully enable MLS encryption for one-to-one RCS conversations.

What’s Next?

At this point, we can only enable MLS encryption for one-to-one conversations using flags. The value is still set to 0 for group chats, and flipping it to 1 would be the next significant progress indicator. We’ll continue to monitor this development and provide updates on any further breakthroughs.

Get Involved

Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at [email protected] or send your tips anonymously to remain anonymous or get credit for the info, it’s your choice.

Join the Conversation

Join the conversation by commenting below!