In a recent blog post, Zoom, the controversial video conferencing app announced to offer end-to-end encryption (E2EE) from next week. The company has promised to provide a technical preview beta update for the first 30 days.
The company wants to get honest user feedback through this beta preview. Later on, Zoom will roll out three more phases of E2EE with full features including robust protection and the same powerful GCM encryption.
Most importantly, this Zoom encryption feature will be available not only for paid users but also for free users. The company claims that anyone in the world can host up to 200 participants in end-to-end encrypted video conferences.
Zoom End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) for All Users
Zoom was facing a lot of criticism regarding the false marketing of its end-to-end encryption strategies. On the occasion of the annual Zoomtopia event, the company surprised everyone with the news of Zoom free end-to-end encryption.
This feature will come with increased privacy, security, and robust protection. This will assist you to avoid the interference of decryption keys that helps to monitor the content. It is released along with a new coordinated platform for classes.
It all started when Eric Yuan, the company’s Chief Executive Officer mentioned that Zoom will not release E2EE for Free calls. He further added that only premium Zoom users are allowed to experience the end-to-end encryption feature.
Due to these remarks, plenty of users criticized the company on Twitter. The company refused to compromise on the fundamental security that every other competitor like Google Duo, WhatsApp, as well as Facetime offer.
Related: Zoom vs Skype: Which is better for Teaching Online?
On the other hand, Alex Stamos, Zoom security consultant said that the company took this decision because of various E2EE security reasons. He further disclosed that the organization is going through a hard balancing act.
Moreover, the company wants to enhance privacy and security while also decreasing abuse. Lately, the organization has faced plenty of issues such as zoom bombing, illegal behaviors, hatred backlash, exposure to children, etc.
There are many incidents where non-premium clients use counterfeit identities to disturb random video conferencing calls. Besides, the executive also says that the E2EE is especially for educational institutes and schools.
The Zoom cloud creates random encryption keys in every other video conference meeting. As soon as a member joins a Zoom call, it conveys the key codes to the members. With the help of E2EE, the host can create keys.
Additionally, the host can use public-key cryptography to circulate these keycodes to the participants. Besides, the Zoom server is unaware of this transfer process. Moreover, it does not receive the keycodes needed to unscramble the content.
Yesterday, the company also declared a new coordinated platform for schools and classes called OnZoom. Apart from that, the video conferencing giant will launch a platform called Zapps to integrate third-party apps with calls.
Source: Zoom
