Google has introduced a new Android feature that enables employers to read employee communications on company-managed devices, sparking privacy concerns among workers. The functionality allows for the archiving and interception of Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages on corporate-owned Android phones.
This system specifically affects devices, such as Pixel phones, that are fully managed by companies and use Google Messages. It grants businesses the ability to access and store messages before they are encrypted.
The tech giant states the feature aims to help companies meet specific regulatory requirements for auditing communications. This level of oversight has long been standard practice for corporate emails.
To ensure transparency, Google has integrated a notification system that alerts employees on their mobile devices when monitoring is active. The company emphasizes that the intention is for corporate control rather than espionage.
This new capability applies exclusively to company-owned and managed Android devices. It does not extend to employees’ personal phones.
Legally, companies generally retain the right to monitor activity on devices they own and manage, provided they operate within established legal boundaries and internal policies.
However, the change does not impact encrypted third-party messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal. These platforms maintain their own encryption protocols and server infrastructures, preventing corporate interception through this Google feature.
Despite the stated purpose, the activation of this feature is anticipated to cause frustration and apprehension among employees. Many fear that a tool used daily for both work and personal exchanges could now be subject to employer review.