Zoom Begins Phased Rollout of End-to-End Encryption for All Users
Zoom launches the first phase of its end-to-end encryption rollout as a technical preview, making the security feature available to both free and paid users globally. The company requires free users to verify a phone number to access the feature and prevent abuse.
Zoom starts rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to its videoconferencing platform next week as a technical preview. The company works to rebuild its security reputation after facing heavy criticism earlier this year for misleading users about having this level of encryption. Both free and paid users globally host up to 200 participants in E2EE meetings during this initial 30-day feedback phase.
The availability of E2EE for all users represents a major reversal for the company. Zoom initially plans to reserve this high-level security for paying customers only but changes course after a storm of public backlash. Free and Basic users who want to enable the feature complete a one-time verification process, which involves confirming a phone number via text message to prevent mass creation of abusive accounts.
This rollout marks the first of a four-stage process to fully integrate end-to-end encryption into the platform. Because it is an early technical preview, users experience certain limitations and cannot access features like cloud recording, live transcription, breakout rooms, and polling during E2EE meetings. Zoom acquires Keybase in May to help develop what it aims to be the most broadly used enterprise E2EE offering.