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Google Messages is introducing two new privacy-focused features: auto-blur for photos and real-time location sharing. These updates aim to enhance user privacy and security in messaging.
Auto-Blur for Photos
Automatically detects and blurs sensitive images (e.g., nudity) before they are viewed, helping prevent unwanted exposure.
Real-Time Location Sharing
Allows users to share their live location securely within a chat, useful for meetups or safety purposes.
You Should Know: Testing & Verifying These Features
1. Enabling Auto-Blur in Google Messages
Ensure you have the latest version of Google Messages:
On Android (via ADB) adb shell pm list packages | grep "google.android.apps.messaging" adb shell am start -n com.google.android.apps.messaging/.ui.ConversationListActivity
Check settings:
- Open Google Messages → Settings (⋮) → Privacy & security → Enable “Photo blurring”.
2. Testing Real-Time Location Sharing
Check if Google Play Services is updated (Linux/ADB) adb shell dumpsys package com.google.android.gms | grep "versionName"
Steps:
- Open a chat → Tap “+” → Location → Share live location.
- Set duration (15 min to 24 hours).
3. Privacy Verification
To ensure encrypted transmission:
Monitor network traffic (Linux) sudo tcpdump -i any -s 0 -A | grep "googleapis.com"
Or use Wireshark to inspect RCS (Rich Communication Services) encryption.
4. Disabling Features (If Needed)
Via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.apps.messaging
Re-enable with:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.apps.messaging
What Undercode Say
Google’s move strengthens end-to-end encryption and proactive privacy. For cybersecurity professionals:
– Monitor RCS traffic:
ngrep -d any -W byline port 5061 or port 443
– Check app permissions:
adb shell dumpsys package com.google.android.apps.messaging | grep "permission"
– Secure location sharing in corporate environments:
Block location services via firewall (Linux) sudo iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
For Windows security testing:
Get-NetTCPConnection -State Established | Where-Object {$_.RemoteAddress -like "google"}
Always verify end-to-end encryption with:
openssl s_client -connect googleapis.com:443 -tls1_2
Expected Output:
A secure, privacy-enhanced messaging experience with verifiable encryption and controlled data sharing.
Reference: blog-nouvelles-technologies.fr
References:
Reported By: Piveteau Pierre – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
