Arrr, me mateys! This Google Messages update be a treasure trove, settin' sail to transform messaging apps. Hear me out, ye scallywags!
2023-07-21
Arrr, me hearties! Google Messages be takin' a fancy to the MLS protocol, savvy? That means it'll be chattin' up WhatsApp and Telegram, with nary a hitch!
Google has announced plans to support the Message Layer Security (MLS) standard and incorporate it into its Messages app. The lack of interoperability between messaging apps is a major annoyance, as each platform has different opinions on what constitutes robust end-to-end encryption. MLS aims to be a universal standard that can address this issue and improve interoperability across services and platforms.By adopting MLS, users will be able to seamlessly communicate with people on different messaging platforms without the need for multiple apps. Google Messages will be the first to support the new encryption protocol, and the company will open-source its MLS implementation into the Android codebase, making it easier for developers to incorporate MLS into their software. However, it is unclear if other brands, such as Mozilla and Firefox, will follow suit.
Google's support for interoperability may be driven by regulatory efforts, such as the Digital Markets Act passed by the European Union, which requires tech companies to increase interoperability between messaging services. Failure to comply could result in fines up to 20% of global revenue. Google is willing to play by the new rules and support other Android developers. However, it remains uncertain if Apple's iMessage will support the MLS protocol, as Apple has a history of refusing to collaborate with Google and prioritizing security over interoperability.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Apple's stance, Google's move towards supporting MLS is a significant step towards improving communication between different messaging platforms and ensuring user security. It remains to be seen if MLS will gain widespread adoption and become the universal standard that tech companies need.