Help

BI’s Article search uses Boolean search capabilities. If you are not familiar with these principles, here are some quick tips.

To search specifically for more than one word, put the search term in quotation marks. For example, “workers compensation”. This will limit your search to that combination of words.

To search for a combination of terms, use quotations and the & symbol. For example, “hurricane” & “loss”.

Login Register Subscribe

FTC finalizes settlement over Zoom security

Reprints
Zoom

The Federal Trade Commission said Monday it has finalized a settlement with Zoom Video Communications Inc. over allegations it misled consumers about the level of security it provided for its Zoom meetings and that it compromised the security of some of its MacIntosh computer users.

The settlement was made over the objections of the two Democratic FTC commissioners

The final order, which does not impose a fine on San Jose, California-based Zoom, requires the company to implement a comprehensive security program, review any software updates for security flaws before their release, and ensure the updates will not hamper third-party security measures, the FTC said in its statement.

Under the terms of the settlement, Zoom must also obtain a biennial assessment of its security programs by an independent third party, which the FTC has the authority to approve, and notify the FTC if it experiences a data breach.

The Commission voted 3-2 on Jan. 19 to approve the settlement, with the two Democratic commissioners, Acting Chairwoman Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Commissioner Rohit Chopra, voting against it and each issuing dissenting statements.

In her dissent, Ms. Slaughter said, “In my view, the FTC’s proposed order did not do enough to ensure that consumers can trust this now-ubiquitous video-conferencing tool with their private conversations. Specifically, the proposed order did not address Zoom’s privacy failings and did not require Zoom to provide any recourse to affected users.”

Mr. Rohit said the settlement “was weak, providing no help, no notice, no money for victims, and no meaningful accountability for Zoom.”

Republican Commissioner Christine S. Wilson, who voted for the settlement, said in a statement the order would enable the Commission “to seek significant penalties for noncompliance and provides critical, and timely, relief. “

Zoom said in a statement, “The advancements we have made to our platform are well-documented, and we are continuously improving our privacy and security programs to enhance our product.”

 

 

 

 

Read Next

  • Two state AGs seek info on Zoom's privacy practices

    (Reuters) — At least two U.S. state attorneys have sought information from Zoom Video Communications Inc. following multiple reports that questioned the privacy and security of the videoconferencing app.