Google extends client-side encryption to in-meeting chat messages in Meet

Last year, Google added Client-side encryption (CSE) to Google Meet, giving users increased control over their data. The company has now extended the feature to in-meeting chat.

Client-side encryption adds an additional encryption layer for privacy by giving users direct control of their encryption keys and the identity service that they choose to authenticate for those keys. The feature also guarantees that Google cannot access audio and video content of your client-side encrypted meetings under any circumstances. Similarly, all in-meeting chat messages will also be encrypted and inaccessible by any third party, including Google.

Notably, the extended rollout of this feature for Rapid Release domains is commencing on May 24, 2023, and users within these domains can expect to gain visibility of the feature gradually over a period that may exceed the usual 15-day timeframe. For users within Scheduled Release domains, the extended rollout will commence on June 26, 2023. Similarly, the visibility of this feature will be incrementally extended over a potentially longer timeframe to ensure a smooth implementation.

Client-side encryption for Google Meet chat messages will be available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers hosting client-side encrypted calls and not to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, The Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers.