Latest news with #GSMAssociation
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Yahoo
iPhone and Android users will soon be able to send encrypted RCS messages to each other
Text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices will soon benefit from end-to-end encryption (E2EE), after the GSM Association (GSMA) yesterday published new specifications for the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol that include support for cross-platform E2EE. RCS is a long-standing effort to enable SMS-style cross-platform communications with richer features, such as group messaging, typing indicators, read receipts, and file-sharing -- similar to what messaging apps such as WhatsApp provide. While many Android handset makers had adopted RCS through the years, Apple was the main outlier until it finally succumbed with the introduction of iOS 18 last year. Most of the core RCS features have been available for cross-platform messaging since then, but E2EE has hitherto been missing -- until now. E2EE, for the uninitiated, is a data encryption method that ensures only the sender and the recipient of a message can read its content. For tech companies, this privacy-preserving promise is a major selling point, as it assures users that their messages are safe from snooping. Apple has offered E2EE since it launched iMessage back in 2011, though of course that only worked between iOS devices, while WhatsApp completed its E2EE rollout in 2016 (and, again, it only worked between WhatsApp users). Google, for its part, has previously added E2EE to its own Messages app, but this was its own proprietary undertaking separate to the RCS protocol itself. Encrypting messages across not only different clients but also entirely different platforms comes with its own unique challenges, which is where the GSMA's universal profile enters the fray, providing a standardized specification for consistent, interoperable RCS messaging across devices, networks, and operators. Based on the cryptographic Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, the new E2EE mechanism in the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 is a vital piece of the interoperable jigsaw, one that will ultimately enable iPhone and Android users to communicate securely via their device's native messaging app. "That means that RCS will be the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE between client implementations from different providers," GSMA technical director Tom Van Pelt said in a statement. "Together with other unique security features such as SIM-based authentication, E2EE will provide RCS users with the highest level of privacy and security for stronger protection from scams, fraud and other security and privacy threats." Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
RCS messaging adds end-to-end encryption between Android and iOS
When RCS messaging became available on the iPhone with the rollout of iOS 18, the technical director of the GSM Association teased that the next major milestone for the messaging standard is the addition of interoperable end-to-end encryption. Now, six months later, GSMA has released an updated set of specifications for RCS messaging, which includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. The new RCS profile will ensure that messages and files remain safe and confidential when sent between iOS and Android devices. "...RCS will be the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE between client implementations from different providers. Together with other unique security features such as SIM-based authentication, E2EE will provide RCS users with the highest level of privacy and security for stronger protection from scams, fraud and other security and privacy threats," said Tom Van Pelt, the Technical Director of GSMA. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, gives people a way to send images, videos and audio clips to each other through text across different platforms. Google's implementation of RCS has had default end-to-end encryption for both one-on-one and group chats since early 2024, but only if all participants are using Google Messages with RCS chats turned on. Meanwhile, iMessages are already protected by E2EE. In a statement sent to 9to5Mac, Apple said that it was "pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA." It also vowed to add support to end-to-end encryption to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS "in future software updates." Without a definite timeframe, it's hard to say when Apple is rolling out an update to support the security feature, but when it does, it will prevent third parties from intercepting and accessing potentially sensitive and private messages.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
iPhone and Android users will soon be able to send encrypted RCS messages to each other
Text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices will soon benefit from end-to-end encryption (E2EE), after the GSM Association (GSMA) yesterday published new specifications for the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol that include support for cross-platform E2EE. RCS is a long-standing effort to enable SMS-style cross-platform communications with richer features, such as group messaging, typing indicators, read receipts, and file-sharing -- similar to what messaging apps such as WhatsApp provide. While many Android handset makers had adopted RCS through the years, Apple was the main outlier until it finally succumbed with the introduction of iOS 18 last year. Most of the core RCS features have been available for cross-platform messaging since then, but E2EE has hitherto been missing -- until now. E2EE, for the uninitiated, is a data encryption method that ensures only the sender and the recipient of a message can read its content. For tech companies, this privacy-preserving promise is a major selling point, as it assures users that their messages are safe from snooping. Apple has offered E2EE since it launched iMessage back in 2011, though of course that only worked between iOS devices, while WhatsApp completed its E2EE rollout in 2016 (and, again, it only worked between WhatsApp users). Google, for its part, has previously added E2EE to its own Messages app, but this was its own proprietary undertaking separate to the RCS protocol itself. Encrypting messages across not only different clients but also entirely different platforms comes with its own unique challenges, which is where the GSMA's universal profile enters the fray, providing a standardized specification for consistent, interoperable RCS messaging across devices, networks, and operators. Based on the cryptographic Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, the new E2EE mechanism in the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 is a vital piece of the interoperable jigsaw, one that will ultimately enable iPhone and Android users to communicate securely via their device's native messaging app. "That means that RCS will be the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE between client implementations from different providers," GSMA technical director Tom Van Pelt said in a statement. "Together with other unique security features such as SIM-based authentication, E2EE will provide RCS users with the highest level of privacy and security for stronger protection from scams, fraud and other security and privacy threats." Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
RCS messaging adds end-to-end encryption between Android and iOS
When RCS messaging became available on the iPhone with the rollout of iOS 18, the technical director of the GSM Association teased that the next major milestone for the messaging standard is the addition of interoperable end-to-end encryption. Now, six months later, GSMA has released an updated set of specifications for RCS messaging, which includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. The new RCS profile will ensure that messages and files remain safe and confidential when sent between iOS and Android devices. "...RCS will be the first large-scale messaging service to support interoperable E2EE between client implementations from different providers. Together with other unique security features such as SIM-based authentication, E2EE will provide RCS users with the highest level of privacy and security for stronger protection from scams, fraud and other security and privacy threats," said Tom Van Pelt, the Technical Director of GSMA. RCS, or Rich Communication Services, gives people a way to send images, videos and audio clips to each other through text across different platforms. Google's implementation of RCS has had default end-to-end encryption for both one-on-one and group chats since early 2024, but only if all participants are using Google Messages with RCS chats turned on. Meanwhile, iMessages are already protected by E2EE. In a statement sent to 9to5Mac, Apple said that it was "pleased to have helped lead a cross industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to the RCS Universal Profile published by the GSMA." It also vowed to add support to end-to-end encryption to iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS "in future software updates." Without a definite timeframe, it's hard to say when Apple is rolling out an update to support the security feature, but when it does, it will prevent third parties from intercepting and accessing potentially sensitive and private messages.
Arabian Business
06-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Qatar signs 5-year agreement with GSMA to host MWC Doha
Qatar will host a Doha edition of the popular Mobile World Congress (MWC) in November this year after the country's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed a deal with the GSMA (GSM Association) during the MWC 2025 in Barcelona. The first MWC Doha will take place on 25-26 November 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The two parties have signed a 5-year agreement. مقتطفات من حفل التوقيع الرسمي لسعادة وزير الاتصالات وتكنولوجيا المعلومات، السيد محمد بن علي المناعي، والرئيس التنفيذي للجمعية الدولية لشبكات الهاتف المحمول @GSMA السيد جون هوفمان حيث أعلنت دولة قطر عن استضافة المؤتمر العالمي للهواتف المحمولة (MWC Doha) لمدة خمس سنوات متتالية — وزارة الاتصالات وتكنولوجيا المعلومات (@MCITQatar) March 5, 2025 Qatar's MWC debut MWC25 Doha will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are focused on advancing the next generation of digital societies in the Middle East and beyond. The unique combination of exhibition and thought leadership promises to make it an unmissable experience for stakeholders and businesses in the region. The event aligns perfectly with Qatar's National Vision 2030 of advancing technology, collaboration and growth. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, commented: 'The State of Qatar has established itself as a premier destination for global summits and conferences in the ICT sector, and hosting MWC25 further reinforces this position. 'This event aligns with our commitment to realizing Qatar's National Vision 2030, as we continue to foster a thriving digital economy and a sustainable digital society. We look forward to welcoming technology leaders and decision-makers from around the world to contribute to shaping the future of digital transformation in our region and beyond.' John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Limited, said: 'The world's largest and most influential connectivity event is coming to Doha! We are delighted to welcome MWC25 Doha to our world-renowned MWC Series. 'Our vision is for MWC Doha to become integral to Qatar's emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation, showcasing the Middle East's digital transformation across AI, advanced 5G and smart mobility. We cannot wait to open the doors for MWC25 Doha.' The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach.
