What Businesses Need to Know About RCS Security

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the upgrade to SMS that businesses have been waiting for. It allows companies to send branded, interactive messages directly to customers using their phone’s native messaging app. But with new messaging technology comes an important question - is it secure enough for business communication?

At LINK Mobility, we help businesses use RCS safely and correctly. We provide both the technology and the processes to ensure that companies meet security and compliance requirements from day one.

Is RCS encrypted?

Yes. RCS messages are encrypted in transit, which means the content is protected while it moves from the business to the customer.

While end-to-end encryption is currently only available for person-to-person chats on Android, the business version of RCS still includes strong encryption during delivery and storage. Messages are also encrypted at rest when held temporarily on Google's servers.

Why businesses choose RCS messaging

RCS is built for companies that want to move beyond basic SMS. It allows brands to deliver content-rich, interactive messages directly to customers using their phone’s default messaging app - no downloads needed.

RCS supports:

• Verified sender identity

• Branded layouts including logos, colours, and buttons

• Rich content like images, videos, carousels, and quick replies

• Read receipts and delivery confirmations

From a security standpoint, it also includes:

• Verified sender status - only approved businesses can send messages

• Encryption in transit - messages are protected during delivery

• Storage encryption - temporary message data is securely stored

• Spam protection - Google blocks suspicious content using proven systems

This combination of functionality and built-in security makes RCS a strong alternative to both SMS and messaging apps. With LINK Mobility, businesses get the added benefit of local support, experience across markets, and tools to get the most out of every message sent.

How RCS security works in business messaging

RCS Business Messaging offers a structured and secure flow that protects both businesses and end users. Security is integrated into each step, helping prevent misuse and ensuring message integrity.

With LINK Mobility, the process looks like this:

1. A business creates the message in our platform

2. The message is encrypted and sent through Google’s RCS infrastructure

3. Google scans for spam and policy violations

4. The customer receives a verified, branded message in their default messaging app

Messages are transmitted using TLS encryption, and links are automatically checked through Google Safe Browsing. These features form the core of RCS security, making it a safer alternative to SMS for business-critical communication.

LINK Mobility ensures that your setup follows best practices, so your messages are delivered securely, compliantly, and with full visibility.

How businesses get verified to send RCS

Before a business can start using RCS, it must complete a verification process. This ensures that only legitimate brands can send messages through the channel - one of the key ways RCS security protects against spam and fraud.

The verification process includes:

• Submitting legal company and contact information

• Describing the intended use cases for RCS

• Providing details on consent collection and privacy policy

Once approved, the business is granted verified sender status, which is clearly displayed in each message as the brand name, logo, and color scheme. This creates instant recognition and trust for the end user.

A verified sender confirms your identity to customers, helping them instantly recognize who the message is from. This reduces the risk of impersonation or spoofing and adds a layer of trust. It also tends to improve open rates and engagement, as messages from familiar brands are more likely to be read and acted upon. When customers feel confident that a message is legitimate, they are more willing to respond or click through.

LINK Mobility manages the full process, working with Google and mobile operators to ensure a smooth and compliant setup.

Is RCS compliant with GDPR

Yes, RCS is compliant with GDPR when implemented according to data protection standards. In the RCS ecosystem, Google acts as the Data Processor, while the business (or LINK Mobility on behalf of the business) serves as the Data Controller. This structure means businesses remain responsible for how customer data is collected, stored, and used.

At LINK Mobility, we help ensure compliance by setting up proper opt-in flows, applying data minimisation principles, and providing tools to document consent in line with GDPR requirements. We also advise on regional differences in privacy rules to help you meet legal obligations across markets.

How opt-in and opt-out works for RCS

Customers must provide clear and informed consent before receiving RCS messages. This opt-in can happen through online forms, app signups, order checkouts, or other consent-driven interactions where the customer knowingly agrees to receive communication.

Equally important is the opt-out. Customers can unsubscribe at any time by replying with “STOP” or a similar command. LINK Mobility’s platform automatically processes these requests and ensures that the business stops sending messages to that user. This protects both the user’s rights and the business from non-compliance issues.

What is next for RCS security

RCS is already more secure than SMS, but the future will bring even stronger protections. Google has confirmed that end-to-end encryption between Android and iOS devices is planned for upcoming releases of the RCS standard. This development will raise the overall security level for business messaging across platforms, helping protect message content from interception or misuse.

This shift will also bring RCS closer to the encryption standards used by popular messaging apps, while retaining the benefit of native integration in the default messaging app. LINK Mobility will continue to monitor and adapt to these updates to ensure our customers benefit from the latest RCS security enhancements.

Why businesses work with LINK Mobility

RCS offers a secure, modern alternative to SMS, but setting it up and managing it correctly requires expertise. That is where LINK Mobility comes in.

We support businesses throughout the full process - from technical setup and onboarding, to sender verification and GDPR compliance. We assist with message design, template testing, and campaign monitoring to ensure your communication is not only secure, but also effective.

With local teams in 18 countries and years of experience in enterprise messaging, LINK Mobility is well-positioned to help you make the most of RCS. Whether you are launching your first campaign or scaling an existing one, we make sure it is done right.