Google has just opened up access to your messages for employers. What is really changing?

Google has done what sparked a storm around Microsoft Teams just a few weeks ago. This time, however, the matter is much more serious: the new Android update means that your RCS and SMS messages cease to be private on work phones. It doesn't matter that they use end-to-end encryption — if the device is managed by the company, your employer can read them.

What exactly happened?

As revealed by Android Authority, Google is introducing Android RCS Archival on Pixels and other Android phones. The feature allows employers to intercept and archive RCS messages, even those end-to-end encrypted.

In practice, this means one thing:

if you have a work phone managed by the company, your boss can read your messages.

Google emphasises that the solution applies only to devices managed under Android Enterprise — private phones remain unchanged. However, for many employees, this is still shocking, as RCS was associated with much greater privacy than email.

The Biggest Misunderstanding: What Is Encryption Really?

The new situation exposes a common misunderstanding of how end-to-end encryption works. It protects the transmission of messages—no one can intercept them "on the way." But on your device, the message is decrypted, so anyone who controls that device can read it. And what about the work phone? It's controlled by the employer.

What does Google say?

The company describes it as:

“A reliable, Android-supported solution for message archiving, backwards compatible with SMS and MMS.”

The employee will see a clear notification that archiving is active.

But… who really reads these messages?

End of the Privacy Illusion

Years ago, we all got used to the fact that work email is not private. But SMSs and RCSs? They were treated quite differently — more personal, “mine”, secure. Now that division is disappearing. And most importantly: it’s not just about regulated industries, like banking or energy. Google clearly states that any organisation can use this feature if they manage employees’ phones.

Side effect: even more "shadow IT"

For years, companies have complained that employees are turning to WhatsApp or Signal. This update... probably won't help. Since RCS is no longer private on work devices, the risk of conversations moving to unsanctioned apps will only increase. Android Enterprise devices will display a message informing that message archiving is active. If you see it, remember:

Your messages are no longer confidential.

Just like emails — they can be read, archived, and analysed by your employer.