In the News:
Google appears to be moving towards end-to-end (rather than simply in-transit) encryption for its chat application, Google Chat. Google Chat currently uses Rich Communication Services (RCS) which is supposedly quicker than SMS (text message protocol) but lacks end-to-end encryption in its current state. According to The Verge, Decrypt, and 9to5Google, this is about to change.
Our take:
By moving forward with encrypting their chat app, Google takes a step forward in providing a means for individuals to protect their privacy. Google is not the only big name that will be providing encrypted chat. Apple provides encrypted messaging in iMessage. Facebook owns WhatsApp and provides Messenger’s “Secret Conversation” encrypted messaging. Signal, Telegram, Cyphr, Wikr, and Silence are other providers of encrypted messaging. Encrypted messaging has become relatively mainstream and is as simple to use as unencrypted chat.
When communication is encrypted, unless an observer has the encryption keys to unlock the conversation or access to one of the devices in the conversation, the conversation is private to the conversation participants. These days, it can seem like nearly all our personal information is targeted by various groups whether for research, advertising, or other purposes. Privacy is of the utmost importance, especially when discussing health information, personally identifiable information, and other sensitive topics. This desire to find privacy in the digital age has pushed many to prefer using encrypted chat applications over unencrypted messaging.
Encrypted messaging can’t guarantee your privacy, as there are always external factors that could compromise security. If the device receiving the encrypted message is compromised, the messages on that device could potentially be accessed; similarly, if messages are backed up to the cloud, they also face the risk of intrusion. It is important for the user to be aware of these potential vulnerabilities when choosing to trust encrypted messaging.
Recommendations:
Decide for yourself whether encrypted messaging is right for you. In order to use encrypted messaging, the person you are messaging may need to have the same application on their device. Different platforms have different features, such as automatic message deletion on both devices after a predefined time period, so make sure that you choose the platform that best meets your needs.
Consider what platforms you are currently using and whether you send sensitive information through unencrypted messages. Whether you use encrypted or unencrypted messaging, it is always a good idea to be mindful of what information you are sending.