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Google is 'pausing investment' in Allo
If you've been using Google's messaging app, Allo, it's probably a good time to start thinking about switching to something else. The app isn't getting dropped in a Google-style "Spring Cleaning," but development on the app is being "paused." Specifically, the new head of the communications group at Google, Anil Sabharwal, has made the decision to "pause investment" in Allo and move that team over to focus on Android Messages.
As we explain in our exclusive feature, the move is necessary because Google is going all in on Rich Communication Services, or RCS. The service will be branded "Chat" once carriers launch it, and Google wants to apply as many resources as possible to make sure that this time, finally, Android has a successful messaging app.
Amnesty International has criticized the move:
Responding to Google's launch of a new messaging service for Android phones, Amnesty International's Technology and Human Rights researcher Joe Westby said:
"With its baffling decision to launch a messaging service without end-to-end encryption, Google has shown utter contempt for the privacy of Android users and handed a precious gift to cybercriminals and government spies alike, allowing them easy access to the content of Android users' communications.
Following the revelations by CIA whistleblower Edward Snowden, end-to-end encryption has become recognized as an essential safeguard for protecting people's privacy when using messaging apps. With this new Chat service, Google shows a staggering failure to respect the human rights of its customers.
"Not only does this shockingly retrograde step leave Google lagging behind its closest competitors - Apple's iMessage and Facebook's WhatsApp both have end-to-end encryption in place by default - it is also a step backwards from the company's previous attempts at online messaging. Google's own app Allo has an option for end-to-end encryption but the company says it will no longer invest in it."
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Arik on Sunday April 22 2018, @07:33PM (5 children)
Of course it's BS. Those who forget IRC are doomed to reinvent it, poorly.
If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?
(Score: 0, Flamebait) by Ethanol-fueled on Sunday April 22 2018, @08:23PM (3 children)
I thought the gimmick with Signal was muh privacy and security, and it was designed by a guy who is as ugly as he is intelligent and as his nickname is stupid. Apparently it's just more Jewgle data collecting bullshit.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 22 2018, @11:15PM (2 children)
Yet another stupid comment from you. Quit that!
(Score: 2, Funny) by Ethanol-fueled on Sunday April 22 2018, @11:28PM (1 child)
Your comments suck. Whenever i read them, I feel like Fox McCloud listening to Peppy.
(Score: 2) by chromas on Monday April 23 2018, @01:08AM
You're becoming more like your father.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 22 2018, @08:25PM
Those who are circumcised are doomed to circumcised sex.