Techlore Talks Apple is finally resolving its green messages problem.
13 snips
Nov 22, 2023 Apple's move to resolve the green message issue through RCS brings excitement and concerns about security and cross-platform messaging. The discussion includes the trade-offs between usability and privacy, particularly with Signal’s new usernames feature. Accusations about Tutanota being a honeypot raise eyebrows, while hidden features in Signal spark curiosity. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about fast food and the quirks of using Craigslist, adding a light-hearted touch to their tech talk.
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RCS Adds Features, Not Automatic E2EE
- RCS improves SMS features but doesn't guarantee end-to-end encryption by default.
- Apple plans to work with GSMA, but federated E2EE needs buy-in and design changes from Google and carriers.
Better Usability Can Lower Security Adoption
- Making SMS-like messaging more usable without strong privacy could reduce incentives to switch to secure messengers.
- RCS may still leak metadata through carriers and centralized servers even with content encryption.
Choose Signal For Strong Metadata Protection
- Consider Signal when you need metadata protection and strong end-to-end encryption.
- Use Signal for threat models requiring minimal exposed metadata because most RCS/WhatsApp alternatives don't protect metadata as strictly.