ZDNET Flags 9 Google Messages Settings as Gemini Chats Lack End-to-End Encryption
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jun 12
ZDNET Flags 9 Google Messages Settings as Gemini Chats Lack End-to-End Encryption
1 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 12
Summary
Nine settings top ZDNET’s checklist for a new Android phone, aimed at making Google Messages more private, secure and less distracting before regular texting begins.
Gemini in Messages drew the sharpest warning because Google says those chats are not end-to-end encrypted, prompting the recommendation to disable Gemini and delete any existing Gemini conversation.
Privacy-focused changes also include limiting Google profile sharing, enabling auto-deletion of one-time passcodes after 24 hours, keeping RCS on while turning off read receipts and typing indicators, and hiding lock-screen message previews.
Usability tweaks round out the list: disable suggestions, stickers and bubbles, enable voice-message transcription, and optionally turn off Sensitive Content Warnings powered by Android System SafetyCore—though removing SafetyCore may affect spam protection.