The new beta feature replaces a cumbersome 80-digit code with a simple QR scan, making it easier than ever to confirm your identity in end-to-end encrypted chats.
Google is taking a significant step to bolster security in its Messages app with the rollout of a new, user-friendly verification system. The company is currently testing a QR code-based method that allows users to quickly and easily verify the identity of the person they are chatting with, ensuring the conversation is end-to-end encrypted and secure from potential man-in-the-middle attacks.
This new feature, which is currently available to beta testers, is a major improvement over the previous verification process that required users to manually compare a lengthy and unwieldy 80-digit code. Now, within an RCS (Rich Communication Services) chat, users can simply go to their contact's details page and select "Verify keys for this contact." This will bring up a new "Security & privacy" sheet, which provides the option to either display their own QR code or scan their contact's code.
Google explains that the new system is designed to "ensure only you and your contact can read the RCS messages you send each other." Once both parties have successfully scanned each other's codes, the chat is verified as secure. The change not only enhances security but also significantly improves the user experience by replacing a tedious, error-prone process with a fast, intuitive one.
The move is part of a broader push by Google to make its messaging platform more secure. It follows the company's recent efforts to push for the adoption of RCS as the standard for messaging across the industry. With this new feature, Google is aligning with security recommendations from organizations like CISA, which advocate for end-to-end encryption to protect mobile communications. The QR-based verification system is expected to see a wider rollout to all Android 9 and newer devices later in 2025.
