Zoom Video Communications Inc has agreed to pay out a whopping $85 million, as well as revamping their security practices, due to a violation of users' privacy rights were breached. Many sources had reported that Zoom had shared its user's personal data to other mega-media platforms Facebook, Google and LinkedIn.
On Saturday afternoon, the U.S. District Judge, Lucy Koh, in California approved a preliminary settlement to be filed.
Meanwhile, Zoom Membership subscribers have been given a 15% refund on their core subscription to amend their social presence after this lawsuit. Additionally, Zoom users who do not pay for a subscription can claim $15 if they have experienced any issues on the Zoom platform. However, this will only be a tiny dint into Zoom's pockets as they profit $1.3 billion in Zoom Meeting subscriptions.
In addition, Zoom has also guaranteed more robust privacy and security measures for meeting hosts. Zoom released a statement on Sunday stating that "The privacy and security of our users are top priorities for Zoom, and we take seriously the trust our user's place in us."
One of the main concerns presented during this case was also the issues related to 'zoombombing'. This term describes the adverse actions that third-party individuals can perform while hacking into zoom meetings, displaying things like pornography, and using racist language. District Judge Lucy Koh said Zoom was "mostly" immune from zoombombing under section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act. This Act plays as a barrier and shields online platforms from liability over user content.
It is clear that since the COVID-19 outbreak that the Zoom platform has had a surge in users and subscriptions by companies, universities and many other users. But with popularity comes security and privacy flaws. So even though Zoom is denying wrongdoings in agreeing to settle, the company still needs to focus upon the emerging issue of zoombombing.
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