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Finally, texts between Android and iPhone users can be end-to-end encrypted

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At long last, Android and iPhone users will be able to send each other end-to-end encrypted text messages. On Monday, end-to-end encrypted messaging is starting to roll out in beta for conversations between iPhone and Android users running the most up-to-date software.

End-to-end encrypted (e2ee) messaging is an important privacy feature that makes users far less susceptible to surveillance by hackers, governments, or the companies that make these communication platforms. When these messages are sent between devices, they’re encrypted while in transit, making it near-impossible for anyone else to intercept and read the message. But until now, messages sent between iPhone and Android devices could not be end-to-end encrypted (e2ee), even though iMessage has been encrypted since its launch in 2011, and Android users have been able to communicate among themselves via e2ee since 2021.

Over the years, iOS and Android users have had clunky communications — Android users can’t use Apple’s proprietary iMessage, but Apple refused to support RCS messaging, a more sophisticated upgrade to decades-old SMS texting, since 2020. Now the industry-standard texting protocol, RCS brings features like typing indicators, read receipts, emoji reactions, longer message lengths, and encryption to text messages. But Apple didn’t support RCS until 2023, once it finally caved due to regulatory pressure.

Google had urged Apple to support RCS texting to make communication between their devices more seamless — this was such an issue that people sincerely thought about “green bubble stigma,” referring to the color of the message bubbles that iPhone users receive from Androids.

Until Apple started supporting RCS, it was a common headache for iPhone users to get texts from their Android-using friends that would break group chats, or result in terrible quality multimedia sharing. Now, Apple’s long-awaited support of e2ee on RCS helps further close the gap between green and blue bubbles.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging has only begun to roll out in beta, so users may not have access just yet. If a conversation between Google and Apple devices is encrypted, the users will see a lock icon that indicates that the chat is protected.

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Kaduna government hails arrest, arraignment of 24 suspects over mob killing

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The Kaduna State Government has welcomed the arrest and arraignment of 24 suspects by the Kaduna State Police Command in connection with the mob killing of a woman at Maraban Jos, describing the development as a significant step towards securing justice and reinforcing the rule of law.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the government commended the Kaduna State Police Command for its prompt action, diligent investigation, and professionalism in ensuring that those allegedly involved in the incident are brought before the courts.

“The Kaduna State Government welcomes the arrest and arraignment of the suspects linked to this unfortunate incident and commends the Police Command for its swift and professional response. The rule of law remains the cornerstone of every democratic society, and no grievance, allegation or suspicion can justify taking another person’s life outside the framework of the law,” the commissioner stated.

He noted that the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lawlessness and underscored the need for citizens to channel complaints and allegations through established legal and security institutions.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration will not tolerate any form of mob action or jungle justice. We urge residents to always report suspected criminal activities to security agencies and allow the law to take its course. Anyone found taking the law into their own hands will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of status or affiliation,” he added.

The commissioner expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by the police, noting that the command had indicated that more than 100 additional suspects remain under investigation for their alleged involvement in the incident.

He assured residents that the government would continue to support security agencies and judicial institutions in their efforts to ensure accountability, maintain public order, and protect the rights of all citizens.

“The sanctity of human life must be respected at all times. Kaduna State will continue to stand firmly for justice, peaceful coexistence, and adherence to the rule of law. We must collectively reject violence and vigilantism in all its forms,” the statement added.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all those found culpable in the incident are brought to justice through due process, while urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and vigilant.

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Ekiti 2026: INEC presents certificate of return to Gov Oyebanji

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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti on Tuesday received the certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, who represented INEC Chairman Prof Joseph Amupitan, presented the certificate to Oyebanji at the commission’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti.

The REC congratulated the governor on his re-election and commended the people of the state for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

He said the successful conduct of the election reflected the commitment of INEC and other stakeholders to strengthening democratic governance in the state.

Omoseyindemi urged all political actors to continue to uphold democratic values.

The event was attended by party leaders, government officials, traditional rulers and supporters of the governor.

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