Google Messages app is expected to soon maintain the cross-platform format by applying the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) to the messenger. This update, which utilizes strong encryption, will enable users to exchange messages with other instant messengers that also use MLS[1].
Cross-platform encryption ensures secure data exchange between platforms, providing a seamless and safe experience. To effectively implement this type of interaction, it is crucial for companies to support a unified standard. Currently, Google prioritizes the implementation of MLS while still using the old protocol, RCS (Rich Communication Services)[2].
European communication regulators have been discussing the concept of enabling communication in group chats among different messengers. However, in 2017, researchers from Oxford highlighted vulnerabilities in several applications, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Allo. They found that intercepting group messages is highly possible when compromising at least one participant. MLS was designed to address this issue[3].
The MLS protocol is being developed under the auspices of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). In March, the Council approved the project for publication and conducted preliminary tests of draft versions of MLS in Webex and Ringcentral chats[4].
Google reportedly plans to incorporate MLS into the Android open source code, although the specific details and timeline have not been disclosed. Additionally, the compatibility of RCS with MLS-based encryption remains uncertain. The acceptance of the new protocol by other major technology companies also remains a question[5].
Sources:
- Security blog – Update on Messaging Layer Security (MLS)
- Wikipedia – Rich Communication Services
- IACR – “More is Less: On the End-to-End Security of Group Chats in Signal, WhatsApp, and Threema”
- IETF – Future Updates of MLS
- Wikipedia – RCS Messaging