Google‘s New Feature Allows Employers to Archive Pixel Users’ RCS Chats
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA – Google is rolling out a new android RCS Archival system for Pixel devices that will allow employers to archive and retain RCS messages sent and received on work-managed phones, raising privacy considerations for employees.Previously, archiving RCS messages proved difficult due to the encryption inherent in the modern texting protocol, which prevented carrier interception.
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is Android’s evolution of SMS texting, offering features like read receipts, typing indicators, and end-to-end encryption. The new system bypasses carrier limitations by enabling approved archival apps to directly integrate with Google Messages on company-managed Pixel devices.
When enabled by a company, the archival app receives notifications whenever an RCS message is sent, received, edited, or deleted, allowing it to save a copy. While messages remain encrypted during transmission between devices, they are readable once stored on the Pixel itself.
Google emphasizes clarity, stating that employees will receive a notification when RCS archival is active on their devices. This means users of employer-controlled Pixels may have their RCS conversations fully recorded,including work-related chats within Google Messages.
IT departments can activate the feature through a simple setting and select from a growing list of compatible archival vendors. Currently,Celltrust,Smarsh,and 3rd Eye support the system,with additional vendors expected to integrate throughout 2026.
