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Why Messaging Apps Should Have End-to-End Encryption
Your message history could be an open book
By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2021 02:30PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
Google is adding end-to-end encryption to its Android Messages app.Experts say encrypted messaging should be a main feature users look for in messaging apps, as it helps ensure their data is protected.Without end-to-end encryption, users have to worry about hackers intercepting and collecting any data they share via texts or messaging apps. Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images You may want to think about changing your default messaging app if you aren’t using one with end-to-end encryption. Consumer privacy has been making big strides, and users running an Android phone are about to get access to another key privacy feature thanks to Google’s Android Messages app. The company revealed in mid-June that it plans to bring end-to-end encryption to its Messages app, something experts say every smartphone user should be taking advantage of. "Among other things, end-to-end encryption facilitates actual data protection and privacy. People can rest assured that no one else can read their messages except for the intended recipient," Amir Ish-Shalom, vice president platform at Viber, told Lifewire in an email. "Anyone concerned about their privacy should be sure to use messaging services that provide end-to-end encryption." All or Nothing
With so much of a push towards user privacy happening across the tech industry, if you’re still using a messaging app that doesn’t support end-to-end encryption, you could be putting your information in harm’s way. Just how much of your day-to-day messaging are you willing to let a complete stranger read? It’s easy to stay connected with friends, family, and even people like roommates. So, what happens when you aren’t using a messaging app with end-to-end encryption and you share specific details about yourself or someone else? You open it up for anyone that has the know-how to intercept and collect that data. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for login details, personal information, or anything else you may share in text messages or social media messengers. While those messages might be considered "direct" or "private," most of them don’t offer any kind of protection. Protecting Yourself
Additionally, Ish-Shalom recommends users look for explicit proof from developers that their apps support end-to-end encryption before just assuming so. "If an app doesn’t clearly specify that messages are end-to-end encrypted, users should be very cautious about the information that they share with others on that platform," he explained. "You might not care if a third-party can read your message wishing your aunt a happy birthday, but just how much of your day-to-day messaging are you willing to let a complete stranger read? It is something of an all-or-nothing situation, and that’s something to think about." It’s also worth noting that some third-party apps will collect the information that you share to sell to advertisers. Ish-Shalom says this can result in you receiving ads for things you’ve chatted about with others. Options Abound
Of course, the nice thing about end-to-end encryption is that a lot of companies are starting to offer it in their apps. While Google might just now be adding it to Android Messages, there are plenty of others out there who already take advantage of this benefit on similar messaging platforms. Viber, for example, uses end-to-end protection for all of its messaging systems. Other apps that offer similar protection include Telegram and Signal. WhatsApp is another popular messaging app that utilizes end-to-end encryption on its messages, though it’s worth noting the app collects more metadata on you than any of the others mentioned so far. With that in mind, there are options out there, if you’re looking to protect the information you’re sharing through messages. Users running an Android phone have plenty of messaging apps with encryption built-in, and it’s something you should absolutely take advantage of. With Google’s Android Messages app becoming the stock messages app across many brands, and now with end-to-end encryption, it will be easier than ever to hop aboard the privacy train and protect yourself. Even if you’re one of the many not using an Android phone, end-to-end encryption could still be something you’re already benefiting from. Apple’s iPhones already utilize encryption with iMessage, for example. Or, if you’d like, you can always download one of the many options named above and connect with users across platforms to ensure your data is always safe from being harvested. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire WhatsApp Encryption: What It Is and How to Use It 10 Best Mobile Messaging Apps of 2022 What Is File Transfer Encryption? When Is Internet Explorer End of Life? How to Browse the Web Anonymously Everything You Need to Know About iPhone SMS & MMS The 5 Best Secure Email Services for 2022 The 5 Best Message Apps for Android How to Encrypt Your iPhone What is End-to-End Encryption? The 5 Best Apps to Make Free International Calls (2022) TrueCaller App Review The 7 Best Texting Apps for Android How to Make a Memoji on Android How To Set Up and Use the Signal Messaging App Kaspersky Review: Nearly Perfect Protection Against All Manner of Threats Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies