Zoom users, here's the reason why you won't get encryption for free

Video conferencing platform Zoom has finally added end-to-end encryption making video meetings more secure. However, this encryption is only available for those who pay for a subscription. The latest version of Zoom supports AES 256-bit GCM encryption but if you are a free user then there is no encryption for you. This is mainly because Zoom claims that providing end-to-end encryption to all users will lead to misuse of the platform.

When Zoom CEO Eric Yuan was asked as to why encryption is not being extended to all users, he was quoted by Bloomberg saying, “Free users for sure we don’t want to give that (encryption) because we also want to work together with FBI, with local law enforcement in case some people use Zoom for a bad purpose. Yuan was talking after announcing the company’s financial results of Q1 2020.

Zoom CEO confirmed that they want to be friendly with local law enforcement agencies in order to prevent misuse of the platform. This statement may be a concern for free users as without end-to-end encryption, the security features of the Zoom app are similar to using any website over HTTPS.

Security consultant for Zoom Alex Stamos tweeted, “Zoom does not proactively monitor content in meetings and will not in the future. Zoom doesn't record meetings silently. Neither of these will change. Our goal is to offer an end-to-end encryption solution that provides a stronger guarantee.”

In another tweet he said, “Zoom is dealing with some serious safety issues. When people disrupt meetings (sometimes with hate speech, CSAM, exposure to children and other illegal behaviors) that can be reported by the host. Zoom is working with law enforcement on the worst repeat offenders.”