Zoom will offer end-to-end encryption to free users, with a catch - Zoom decided that the FBI might not need access to free users' video calls after all

The company behind the popular video-conferencing tool announced today that, despite earlier promises to the contrary, it intends to offer end-to-end encryption to both its paying and non-paying users. This is a big privacy win for those who rely on Zoom to chat with friends and family, as end-to-end encryption means that only the people on a call — not Zoom or some random third party — have access to the conversation.

For starters, Zoom calls will not be end-to-end encrypted by default. Rather, much like with Facebook's Messenger, users will have to enable the added protection themselves.
In addition, free users will have to fork over additional info before getting access to end-to-end encryption.

"Free/Basic users seeking access to E2EE will participate in a one-time process that will prompt the user for additional pieces of information, such as verifying a phone number via a text message," reads the Zoom blog post announcing the company's plan.

See Zoom will offer end-to-end encryption to free users, with a catch

#technology #privacy #videoconferencing

The company was criticized for previously only offering it to paid users.

source https://gadgeteer.co.za/zoom-will-offer-end-end-encryption-free-users-catch-zoom-decided-fbi-might-not-need-access-free