Google is making major changes to its popular Messages app, which will prevent some smartphone users from chatting through the popular service. As of March 2021, some “uncertified” Android devices will no longer be able to download and use the platform, which will be a blow to millions of people. Among the devices targeted by the ban, new Huawei smartphones are likely to cause the greatest disruption – owners of these devices will soon no longer be able to use Google Messages to talk to friends and family or participate in group chats. .
From the spring, Google will no longer allow the use of the application on phones, which it considers “not certified”. Since Huawei remains on the US Commerce blacklist, it cannot use any of Google’s software, including the Play Store and its version of Android. Each of its most recent smartphones, like the P40 Pro and Mate 40 Pro, no longer comes with the required security clearances from Google, which means they are “uncertified” in the eyes of Google.
Of course, Google Messages doesn’t come preloaded on many handsets, including those made by Huawei, but fans who think they can beat the block by loading the app will be very disappointed.
The new ban means that any non-certified device will not be able to download, install or use the service. As the 9to5Google team noticed, a beta version of the Messages app is now available for testing.
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Inside the app code is a message – which appears if you’re using an uncertified Android phone – that says. “On March 31, Messages will stop working on uncertified devices, including this one.”
It’s unclear why Google is making this drastic change, although 9to5Google points out that it could be end-to-end encryption.
One of the reasons Google is warning users not to download its apps on phones, such as Huawei’s new devices, is that their security has not been verified. This means that the company cannot guarantee that messages are secure and will not be compromised when sent over a network.
By blocking all uncertified phones from using its Messages app, the tech company can be sure they are offering a fully secure platform to their users.
Google made it clear that it was tampering with its software in 2019 after Huawei’s ban went into effect. In an article posted on its website, the California-based company said, “To protect the privacy and security of user data and preserve the overall experience, the Google Play Store, Google Play Protect, and core Google apps (including including Gmail, YouTube, Maps and more) are only available on Play Protect certified devices.
“Play Protect certified devices undergo a rigorous security review and compatibility testing process, performed by Google, to ensure the security of user data and application information. To protect the privacy and security of users. user data and preserve the overall experience, the Google Play Store, Google Play Protect and main Google apps are only available on Play Protect certified devices.
“Sideloading apps from Google also carries a high risk of installing an app that has been modified or tampered with in a way that compromises user safety.”
