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  "path": "/t/question-regarding-google-android-backup-encryption/38527#post_9",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-17T05:16:51.000Z",
  "site": "https://discuss.privacyguides.net",
  "textContent": "I wanted to follow up on the EFF article regarding RCS backups, because something isn’t adding up.\n\nThe EFF states that the text of RCS messages is encrypted in Android backups. However, their source for this claim is the exact same Google Support page that I linked at the beginning of this thread.\n\nIf you look at that Google support page, it actually says nothing about RCS. The only relevant line is: _“MMS media received from your carrier aren’t encrypted by your device’s screen lock.”_\n\nSince MMS media and RCS media are completely different protocols, why would Google specifically carve out MMS media as being unencrypted by the screen lock, but completely ignore RCS?\n\nThis leads me to two possible conclusions:\n\n  1. **RCS media _is_ protected by the screen lock in backups.** Google only mentioned MMS because it is the exception to the rule.\n\n  2. **Google’s documentation is just vague and poorly written.** The privacy community should rightfully be skeptical of vagueness. You would think Google would want to proudly boast about the specific things that _are_ secured by the screen lock. It’s entirely possible the support team just didn’t write a comprehensive article.\n\n\n\n\nI find myself going back and forth on what exactly to take away from this vagueness. Do you see where I am coming from here?\n\nI understand some might refer me back to the EFF article to settle this, but honestly, I think the EFF made a leap here. I love the EFF, but when the primary source they cite doesn’t actually align with the claims in their article, it makes me doubt their conclusion. It seems like they stated something without knowing the full specifics of the situation or doing comprehensive research on how Google handles RCS in backups.\n\nCurious to hear what you all think.",
  "title": "Question Regarding Google Android Backup Encryption"
}