Google Messaging is set to revolutionize how you verify the authenticity of your contacts with the introduction of a new QR code feature. According to reports from 9to5Google, this QR code key verification feature is currently being rolled out in beta, promising to enhance the security of your communications. Google had initially showcased this feature last October, and it now seems to be nearing a public release.
The latest update in the Google Messages beta includes the QR code key verification feature, which will be accessible under the ‘verify encryption’ option once it is widely available. When you navigate to the ‘Details’ page of a conversation in Google Messages by tapping on the contact’s name in the app bar, you will find the end-to-end encryption card that has been a part of the app for some time. By selecting “verify encryption,” you will now be directed to a “Security & privacy” page to “verify keys for this contact.”
Google emphasizes that verifying keys will ensure that only you and your intended contact can access the RCS messages you exchange. The previous method of an 80-digit code for verification is still an option if you choose to “Compare verification codes.”
To verify keys, you can scan the QR code on your contact’s device and have them do the same with your QR code. The verification status for the keys can be checked by navigating to “Connected apps” in the Contacts app. Although the integration with the Google Contacts app is not active yet, the feature is expected to be available for Android 9+ devices later this year. Additionally, the QR code key verification feature may extend to third-party apps, offering a unified public key verification system.
In conclusion, the introduction of the QR code key verification feature in Google Messages is a significant step towards enhancing the security and privacy of your communications. Stay tuned for the official release of this feature for Android 9+ devices and the potential expansion to other applications in the near future.