Sunbird, has halted its iMessage app for Android due to ongoing security concerns about potential lapses in end-to-end encryption, as reported by 9to5Google. The decision to pause Sunbird usage stems from an investigation into reports suggesting that messages might not be as securely encrypted as claimed.
Introduced in late 2022, the iMessage app was initially offered through a closed alpha program, exclusively accessible to those on the waitlist. Last week, Sunbird collaborated with Nothing for the “Nothing Chats” app, providing iMessage on the Nothing Phone (2).
However, the app faced privacy issues, leading to its removal from the Google Play Store within a day. Nothing acknowledged the need to address “several bugs” within the app.
Concerns also arose regarding Sunbird’s message encryption, with evidence suggesting stored media files on the external cloud service Firebase contradicted the claim of not storing data on its servers. This revelation prompted Sunbird to temporarily halt its own services, explaining the decision in notifications sent to users as “We have decided to pause Sunbird usage for now.”
Initially planning to disable only media sharing, Sunbird eventually suspended all functionalities, and the app is currently inaccessible on the Play Store. The company has not issued a public statement, leaving users uncertain about the app’s future availability. The pause in Sunbird usage remains indefinite, pending further investigation into security concerns.