Zoom thinks law enforcement should get access to your calls (unless you pay)
Zoom has seen a meteoric rise since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to stay at home, offering a seamless way to video chat with colleagues and loved ones.
The service was lambasted for its security concerns in the wake of its rise, including the current lack of end-to-end encryption, but it’s since confirmed that this feature is coming. Now, it turns out that end-to-end encryption won’t be available for free users, for a rather interesting reason.
“Free users, for sure, we don’t want to give that [end-to-end encryption – ed]. Because we also want to work it together with FBI and local law enforcement, in case some people use Zoom for bad purpose (sic),” Zoom CEO Eric Yuan said during an earnings call (h/t: TheNextWeb ).
Editor's Pick
Zoom vs Microsoft Teams: Which is best for you?
Remote work has become more common than ever. In addition, office desk jockeys often need video calling to contact co-workers and clients from afar. Many of you are probably debating whether you should go for Zoom …
It would be somewhat understandable if Zoom chose to make encryption a perk for paid users and simply stated as such. After all, companies offer exclusive features to paid customers all the time — even if it’s something as important as encryption. But Zoom’s justification definitely seems strange, implying that paid users simply don’t engage in illegal acts via the platform or that users can pay to make the service look the other way.
Even then, there’s been a wide trend for messaging services and video chat apps to offer end-to-end encryption over the years. This is despite pressure from governments and law enforcement agencies to drop this security measure.
More posts about Zoom
Zoom will cut you off if you don’t update before May 30
Adamya Sharma
6 days ago
How to video chat with family and friends on your smartphone
Adamya Sharma
1 week ago
Zoom vs Facetime: Which is right for you?
Edgar Cervantes
1 week ago
Zoom vs GoToMeeting: Which is best for your needs?
Edgar Cervantes
1 week ago
Zoom vs Microsoft Teams: Which is best for you?
Edgar Cervantes
1 week ago
Zoom vs Skype: Which is best for your video calls?
Edgar Cervantes
2 weeks ago
How to get your loved ones set up with video conferencing remotely
Adam Sinicki
...
