Is Zoom really end-to-end encrypted for all meeting types and user levels, considering the past controversies and changes in their encryption policies? I’m particularly interested in knowing if meetings with free accounts have the same level of end-to-end encryption as those with paid accounts, and if there are specific settings or configurations required to enable this encryption and if it’s on by default. Also, what are the limitations of Zoom’s end-to-end encryption, such as features that may be disabled when it’s enabled, and how does it compare to truly end-to-end encrypted communication platforms like Signal in terms of security and privacy?

Answer

Zoom offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) as an option for meetings, but it’s not enabled by default and has limitations.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

E2EE Functionality:

• Optional Feature: E2EE is a feature that meeting hosts must specifically enable when scheduling the meeting. It is not automatically applied to all Zoom meetings.
• Control in the Host’s Hands: The host has the power to turn it on or off for each meeting.
• Encryption Process: When E2EE is enabled, the meeting’s data is encrypted using keys that are known only to the participants on their devices. This means Zoom’s servers do not have access to the decryption keys and cannot see or hear the content of the meeting.
• Security Enhancement: E2EE provides a higher level of security and privacy compared to standard Zoom encryption. It protects against eavesdropping by third parties, including Zoom itself.
• Key Exchange: Zoom uses cryptographic key exchange protocols to ensure that only the intended participants receive the encryption keys necessary to decrypt the meeting data.
• Verification: Participants can manually verify the E2EE by comparing a security code shared between them.

Limitations & Considerations:

• Certain Features Disabled: Enabling E2EE disables certain Zoom features. These usually include features requiring Zoom server access to the unencrypted meeting content. For example, features like cloud recording, live transcription, and the use of Zoom’s phone dial-in option will not function when E2EE is active. Breakout rooms also disable E2EE, if the host enables breakout rooms mid-meeting, the meeting will automatically revert to standard GCM encryption.
• Joining Requirements: Participants must join the meeting from the Zoom desktop client, mobile app, or Zoom Rooms. Web browsers, older client versions, and third-party clients are not supported for E2EE meetings.
• Identity Verification Required: To use E2EE, meeting participants must authenticate their identity, either by logging into a Zoom account or through a one-time password (OTP) sent to a verified phone number. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access.
• Account Linking: Zoom may require users to link their accounts to a phone number or other verification method for security and accountability purposes when using E2EE.
• Metadata: While the meeting content is encrypted, certain metadata (e.g., participant IP addresses, meeting start/end times, participant IDs) is still accessible to Zoom.
• Law Enforcement: Zoom has stated that with E2EE enabled, they may not be able to provide assistance to law enforcement in certain situations where they might otherwise be able to provide meeting information.
• Standard (Non-E2EE) Encryption: When E2EE is not enabled (which is the default), Zoom uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption for data in transit between Zoom applications and Zoom’s servers. Once on Zoom’s servers, meeting data is decrypted, and then re-encrypted using AES-GCM encryption for the duration of the meeting. Zoom possesses the keys to decrypt this data.
• Meeting Updates: Zoom regularly updates the app and related encryption protocols to address potential security vulnerabilities.

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