Re: Google is preparing to replace RCS with MLS

On 2024-07-20 17:02, Andrew wrote:

s|b wrote on Sat, 20 Jul 2024 22:29:08 +0200 :
 

I also lock my computers - without usernamen/password none of my
computers can be used. And I've been working as software developer,
network administrator and team lead in the IT industry for 30 years now.

>
I've 'locked' my computer with a PIN code, but if they want my data,
it's on the unencrypted D: drive.

 What matters, both philosophically & technically, is you have a plan for
a. Efficient daily use

Yes. Unlocking my phone with a fingerprint or (shortly) my face is very efficient.

b. Easy backup & restore

My phone backs up securely to the cloud in encrypted form.

c. Secure personal data

All the data on my phone is encrypted.

 Those who don't know computers don't have a plan and hence they're forced
to lock it up (and to use "someone else's computer" to backup their data).

Why is locking up one's computer not a part of that plan?
How do you unlock your "secure personal data"?

 Back to the topic at hand, if RCS/MLS require a login/password on an
Internet server through which all the messages go, that's terrible for
privacy.
 Sure, the messages are encrypted; but the metadata is your privacy.

As I've stated before and as it has apparently not yet sunk in:
1. RCS and MLS are protocols for sending and receiving messages. Exactly how one connects to a messaging service is not a part of them.
2. EVERY SINGLE MESSAGING SERVICE THERE IS requires you to identify yourself and in a manner that is secured by some process. i.e. LOG IN. That process might be unseen by you on a day to day basis, but it MUST EXIST.
Without that, anyone can pretend to be you to the service and receive messages (perhaps very private messages) intended for you, and can send messages to others AS IF they were you.
The only messaging service most people use that doesn't require them to perform the standard login of providing a username and a password, is SMS/MMS messaging via the cellular network, but that requires your SIM card to do it. "SIM" literally stands for "Subscriber IDENTITY Module".
When you insert the SIM provided by your cellular carrier, you make your phone identifiable as belonging to YOU.
And if you were looking for a good reason to lock your phone with a PIN (or fingerprint or facial recognition), there it is:
Without it, is someone gets a hold of your phone, they can send messages that purport to be from YOU.