Zoom introduces end-to-end encryption

Zoom video conferencing service has received end-to-end encrypction (E2EE) support in a recent update. This method of data transmission will help prevent the theft of decryption keys in order to decrypt the content of videoconferences. The innovation is available in the Zoom Cloud Meetings mobile app, desktop clients for Windows and Mac, and Zoom Rooms.

To activate protection, you must enable the “Conferences with end-to-end encryption (E2E)” parameter in the program settings. Please note that this settings item is available only to verified users who have confirmed their phone number. Also, to transfer encrypted data, all conference participants must set identical settings in the program or mobile application.

When end-to-end encryption is connected, a green shield icon with a lock will appear in the upper left corner of the video call window. In this case, the participants in the conversation can confirm the activation of encryption using a special code, which is checked against the code of the creator of the video conference.

The implementation of end-to-end encryption support will take place in four phases. At the first stage of testing, some functions will not be available: individual chats, reactions, online transcription, video conference recording with subsequent saving in the cloud, and more.

The rise in popularity of the Zoom service was accompanied by a barrage of criticism, as the company did not provide any serious protection for video chats. After a serious scandal related to the leakage of personal data of users to the network, Zoom bought Keybase to develop and implement the E2EE data encryption algorithm.