Dropping Messages RCS for "Privacy"

onigino

I mostly use signal where I can, but of course I do use messages. I've noticed more and more people are showing up as RCS encrypted in there which is nice, but I'm tempted to get rid of Messages anyway because its the only app that I have that needs play services in my main user profile. I tried to run it from my work profile but sadly SMS in work profiles is not supported. A secondary profile doesn't help as I need to see text messages right away.

Anyone else not using Google Messages (and RCS) ? if so what are you using instead?
Also What do you think. It is worth the security in RCS to keep it around?

secrec

onigino I wouldn't use it at all, since even if it protects your data, it leaks metadata to google, since it runs through their servers.

GrouchyGrape

For me, it's worth keeping around. As much as I dislike google, I dislike my carrier seeing my activity even more.

GlytchMeister

I am assuming google messages handles SMS?

I use Cheogram. It's FOSS, runs on jmp.chat's XMPP protocol, and can bridge to regular SMS messaging. Its not encrypted, but SMS is inherently hilariously vulnerable anyway. For example, 2FA via SMS has long been regarded as a joke/security theater. I don't know the details of why, I think its mainly just because it's ancient.

As for secure messaging, I'd prefer MollyFOSS, if I had need of it and could actually convince any of my friends, family, or associates to care about their privacy and security. Alas, I'm a black sheep in that regard. They prefer SMS and Facebook Messenger. Ugh.