The Dutch Data Protection Authority warns against Zoom
Be careful when using Zoom. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) provides this warning in an inventory of thirteen commonly used video calling apps that was published yesterday. Users can improve the security of video calling software with the right settings.
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The AP has mapped out which data apps collect, what happens with that data and whether the communication is secure. The entire overview, with judgments on more than thirty aspects here online.
Encryption
Zoom's video calling software was negative in the news earlier this month, because user data in it is not properly protected and because virtual lessons were disrupted by offensive images. The authority's overview shows that Zoom does not meet some important criteria for privacy protection. For example, the app offers no end-to-end encryption, which means that third parties can eavesdrop on the communication. Microsoft Teams offers these end-to-end neither does encryption. Communication via Whatsapp is end-to-end encrypted. Third parties, including the provider of the application itself, will then not have access to the content of (video) conversations.
The website version of Zoom places so-called tracking cookies
Another important aspect of video calling apps, according to the AP, is the revenue model. Some applications earn from subscription money, others from the sale of personalized advertisements. The web version of Zoom places so-called tracking cookies that track the surfing behavior of users. This information can be used for personalized advertisements. Whatsapp's revenue model is also partly based on these personalized advertisements. This does not happen with Microsoft Teams.
Settings
Schools that want to continue to use Zoom can make the app safer and reduce the risk of third party infringement ('zoom bombing') by using the correct settings. The Elctronic Frontier Foundation, a foundation dedicated to protecting privacy in the United States, advises disable the automatic saving of chats and not use them attention tracking. This is a setting that makes it possible to determine whether the participants in a video session - such as students - are listening attentively.
