Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Google Messages Beta Adds QR Code Key Verification for RCS Encryption

Google is piloting a cross‑app public‑key check intended for Android 9+ devices with support planned for third‑party apps.

Image
Image

Overview

  • The feature is surfacing in the latest Google Messages beta, with no appearance yet on the stable channel.
  • A new Security & privacy sheet lets users show their code or scan a contact’s code to verify end‑to‑end encryption keys.
  • The process can invoke the Android System Key Verification app, which handles the QR scan within the OS.
  • The previous 80‑digit code comparison remains available as a fallback for confirming encryption.
  • Contacts integration to view verified status is referenced in the UI but not live, and Engadget reports Google also plans to shift Gmail’s SMS two‑factor authentication to QR codes.