End-to-end encryption is now available to all Zoom users
Zoom’s video conferencing service has begun rolling out an update that offers end-to-end encryption (E2E) support for both paid and free users. You can activate the feature from today in the latest desktop version of the Zoom client, the Android app, and in Zoom Rooms. A fresh version for iOS will appear later, as soon as the AppStore approves it.
To activate protection, you need to go to the settings and select the encryption method for the E2E conference. The setting is available only to verified users with a verified phone number. All video conference participants will also need to configure the appropriate settings in their clients.
The client will inform that E2E encryption is enabled with a green shield icon in the upper left corner of the call screen. Video conference participants can also confirm encryption with a special code that can be verified with the creator of the video conference room.
Zoom’s end-to-end encryption feature is currently in a technical preview and will actively collect user feedback over the next 30 days. The deployment of end-to-end encryption is planned in four phases. During the first stage of testing, some functions, such as recording with saving to the cloud, online transcription, individual chats, reactions, and other tools, will not be available for calls with the encryption function activated.
After the platform received a wave of criticism for the lack of any serious protection for video chats, in May this year Zoom bought Keybase to develop the E2E encryption feature. As indicated by the resource Engadget, initially Zoom planned to make E2E-encryption available only to paid users of the platform, but then decided to make the feature free for everyone.