Google has finally enabled end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for the Messages app in Android but the privacy-enhancing tool remains somewhat limited.
Google announced end-to-end encryption is now available in Android, but only for one-on-one conversations between users of the Messages app.
“No matter who you’re messaging with, the information you share is personal. End-to-end encryption in Messages helps keep your conversations more secure while sending. It ensures that no one can read the content of your messages as they travel between your phone and the phone of the person you’re messaging,” Google said.
The encryption feature has been available for beta testers since late 2020 but is now being rolled into the Android operating system for all users with chat features enabled.
Separately, Microsoft announced a new Defender for Endpoint app for Android and iOS with new capabilities around breach protection, mobile risk reduction, and secure access to on-prem resources.
The Microsoft Defender for Endpoint product offers enterprise protection against phishing coming from browsing, email, apps, and messaging platforms. Microsoft said it can scan for malware and potentially unwanted apps (on Android), and block unsafe connections as well as access to sensitive data (on Android).
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Related: Google Announces Android Partner Vulnerability Initiative
