Zoom Rolls Out End-to-End Encryption for Free Users With Notable Restrictions
Zoom introduces end-to-end encrypted video calls for free accounts, requiring phone verification and disabling several popular features. The update relies on technology acquired from Keybase and is currently available as a technical preview.
Zoom rolls out end-to-end encryption for free video calls, addressing months of criticism over privacy disparities between paid and free users. The feature arrives as a technical preview in Zoom version 5.4.0 for desktop and mobile, utilizing encryption technology the company acquires from Keybase. This update makes it significantly harder for anyone outside of the call, including Zoom itself, to access the conversation data.
However, users face several limitations when they enable this enhanced security measure. End-to-end encryption disables cloud recording, live transcription, meeting reactions, and one-to-one private chat, while also preventing participants from dialing in by phone. Additionally, all participants must join through a supported Zoom app because the browser version does not support this level of encryption.
Free account holders must also complete an extra step to activate the feature, as Zoom requires them to verify a phone number and provide billing information to prevent abuse. Despite these caveats, Zoom's chief information security officer describes the launch as a highly requested milestone that improves user privacy across the platform.