Sunbird, the app that enables Android users to access iMessage, has temporarily suspended services due to questions about its privacy claims. The company said in a notice to users that it has “decided to pause Sunbird usage for now” while it investigates reports that messages sent through the app may not be fully end-to-end encrypted as previously stated.
Sunbird launched in 2022 as a way for Android users to participate in iMessage chats, which are normally only available to iPhone owners. The app garnered attention for promoting robust privacy features like end-to-end encryption, no message data collection, and an ad-free experience.
However, findings from security researchers have now contradicted some of Sunbird’s privacy guarantees. While the company claimed messages were secured with end-to-end encryption, researchers discovered thousands of users’ media files stored on third-party cloud servers. Additionally, Sunbird appeared to retain access to users’ conversation metadata.
The encryption issues came to light around the same time Sunbird partnered with phone startup Nothing to power the messaging service Nothing Chats. Nothing has since pulled its messaging app from the Google Play Store over bugs. Sunbird itself no longer appears available for download.
In its statement, Sunbird told users, “We will update you when we are ready to proceed.” The company did not provide details on when it expects its iMessage service for Android to be back up and running. It also has not directly addressed researchers’ findings on potential breaches of user privacy.
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