Secure messaging apps use end-to-end encryption to protect communications from hackers, surveillance and unauthorized access, so even messaging app providers can't read your messages.
There are also paid messaging apps that are end-to-end encrypted, such as Threema.
For example, RCS messages using Google Messages are automatically upgraded to end-to-end encryption, but Apple's implementation of RCS on iPhones is not end-to-end encrypted, Horwitz said.
For example, Facebook Messenger offers end-to-end encrypted messages, but not in all cases.
The app supports end-to-end encryption when messaging other users using Google Messages over RCS, according to the company.
Persons:
Michael Hughes, WhatsApp, Trevor Horwitz, Roger Grimes, Grimes, Horwitz, they're, Deirdre Connolly, Connolly, that's, Chris Henderson, it's, Henderson, Kory Daniels
Organizations:
Apple, Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Verizon, National Security Agency, FBI, Facebook, Rich Communication Services, Google, Justice
Locations:
U.S, China, Salt