Does Google keep logs of my text messages(RCS)? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 days ago by unicornBro@sh.itjust.works to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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In the past, I've heard about how Google can keep records of all your Google phone's past locations and text messages.

What about RCS messages which supposedly are encrypted from Android to Android? I know that it's possible that they secretly keep a log behind the scenes, but as far as the regular consumer knows is there any record being kept with regard to the contents of these RCS messages?

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[-] EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 day ago

I know that SMS and MMS text messages are transmitted unencrypted, but are RCS text messages different? Serious question.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 5 points 1 day ago

MMS is not a text message, it's a media message (that's what the M stands for).

Yes, RCS chats are encrypted (supposedly)

[-] EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 9 hours ago

MMS is not a text message, it’s a media message (that’s what the M stands for).

See, that's interesting because I was always taught that "text message" is just an overarching term used to describe SMS and MMS. The notion that a text message is a synonym of SMS and only SMS is a new one to me!

Yes, RCS chats are encrypted (supposedly)

Good to know! Do you happen to know if the decryption keys are stored offline or on the carrier's end? Because if the latter, then okay it's more secure than SMS or MMS but only in the sense that some encryption is better than none. Lol.

[-] artyom@piefed.social 1 points 3 hours ago

I mean it's in the name. A message containing media and not text is simply not a text message. Many people use them incorrectly but it's literally in the name.

RCS is (supposedly) E2EE so keys are stored locally.

this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2025

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