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A detailed look at how Zoom Video Communications collects, stores, and uses your personal data.
End-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection.
Poor
Zoom Video Communications's privacy score of 25/100 reflects their data collection practices, transparency, incident history, and user control options. This score indicates significant privacy concerns that users should be aware of.
In 2020, Zoom was caught routing encryption keys through Chinese servers and falsely claiming to offer end-to-end encryption, when in reality Zoom held the keys and could access meeting content.
The 'Zoombombing' crisis of 2020 saw thousands of meetings hijacked with offensive content due to inadequate default security settings, leading multiple organizations and governments to ban Zoom temporarily.
In 2021, Zoom agreed to a $85 million settlement for lying about end-to-end encryption, sharing user data with Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn, and failing to prevent Zoombombing incidents.
Zoom's 2023 terms of service update sparked outrage when it granted the company broad rights to use customer data, including meeting content, to train AI models without clear opt-out mechanisms.
In 2020, a security researcher discovered a Zoom vulnerability on macOS that allowed attackers to hijack webcams and microphones, a flaw that existed for months before being patched.
To minimize Zoom's data collection, start in the Zoom web portal at zoom.us/profile/setting. Under Meeting settings, disable 'Attention tracking' if it appears (this controversial feature was removed but similar functionality may return). Enable the Waiting Room for all meetings and require a passcode. Disable 'Allow removed participants to rejoin' and 'Allow participants to rename themselves.' Under Recording settings, disable cloud recording unless absolutely necessary, and if you must record, use local recording to keep data on your device rather than Zoom's servers. Disable automatic recording. Under Settings > Privacy, review data sharing preferences and opt out of Zoom's AI features and any data usage for product improvement. Do not connect Zoom to your calendar or contacts if you can manage meetings manually. In the desktop app, go to Settings > Video and disable HD video to reduce data transmitted. Under Settings > General, disable 'Use dual monitors' and other features that increase Zoom's access to your system. During meetings, use virtual backgrounds to prevent Zoom from analyzing your physical environment. Use the chat feature sparingly as all chat messages are logged and accessible to meeting hosts. For the mobile app, revoke access to contacts, photos, and location in your device settings. Use per-meeting IDs rather than your Personal Meeting ID. Do not sign in with Google, Facebook, or Apple SSO, as this shares data across platforms. For a privacy-respecting alternative, use Jitsi Meet, which is open-source, requires no account, offers genuine end-to-end encryption, and can be self-hosted. If you must use Zoom, keep the app updated, use the web client when possible instead of the desktop app, and assume all content shared in meetings is accessible to Zoom.
Looking for a privacy-respecting alternative to Zoom Video Communications? We recommend:
JitsiEnd-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection.
WeTalkin: End-to-end encrypted messaging with zero metadata collection. No ads. No data harvesting. Just private conversation.
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