Google Messages E2E encryption for group chats at the moment restricted to 21 folks [Update: 100]

Google recently finished rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for group chats in beta, however the Messages functionality at the moment has a 21-person restrict.

Messages extensively rolled out encryption for 1:1 RCS conversations in June of 2021. It lastly got here to group conversations in December, although the performance remains to be just for customers enrolled within the open beta version of the app.

Thus far, customers have discovered that end-to-end encryption is just obtainable in group conversations which have 21 folks (you and 20 others) in complete. Including one other particular person instantly switches E2EE “off” on the Group particulars web page. You simply get an “End-to-end encryption isn’t available in this conversation” line that isn’t very useful. Often, Messages factors out who E2EE isn’t at the moment obtainable for.

Update: Shortly after publishing, we obtained one report that the restrict has been raised, with the associated check flag being elevated to 100 folks. We’ve reached out to Google for extra info.

Google confirmed to us this group chat encryption restrict for Messages at present, and famous that “the limit is part of the beta testing.” The corporate didn’t handle whether or not it plans to lift that cap as soon as the characteristic turns into extra extensively obtainable, however that could possibly be the case, studying between the strains.

the remainder of the panorama, Sign gives end-to-end encryption with a measurement restrict of 1,000 for “New Group” chats, and iMessage teams assist as much as 32 folks.

Legacy SMS group conversations assist 10 in complete, whereas RCS goes as much as 100. The present state of encrypted RCS group chat is an improve over what it replaces, however folks — particularly in household contexts — can stumble upon the 21-person restrict in comparison with common RCS teams and different trendy messaging providers. 

Extra on Messages:

Thanks, Andrew and Jayson

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