Zoom’s Privacy Policy Update Causes Concerns Over User Data and AI Training
Following in the footsteps of Google, popular online video communication platform Zoom has recently made updates to its privacy policy regarding the collection of user data for the purpose of training artificial intelligence (AI) models. However, these changes have raised significant concerns among users regarding their privacy.
One major issue highlighted by Greg Wilson, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Deep Genomics, is the lack of an opt-out option for paid customers, who may often need to discuss sensitive and confidential matters. This includes professionals such as doctors, therapists, and lawyers. While Zoom does have a special license for healthcare with a different privacy policy and price, this does not extend to other professions such as lawyers, religious leaders, or staff at family shelters. This has been perceived by users as a breach of their privacy.
Under the updated policy, Zoom now has complete control over the data generated during Zoom calls. They have the authority to change, share, and utilize this data as they see fit, as long as they comply with the law. This data will be used to train their AI models, raising concerns about the potential misuse of user information.
Additionally, according to the revised terms in section 10.4 of Zoom’s privacy policy, the platform has acquired an enduring and global license that allows them to freely distribute, access, utilize, alter, and reproduce customer content. This license is non-exclusive, meaning others may also use the content, and it can be sublicensed or transferred to third parties. Users find this unrestricted level of access to their shared content alarming and a violation of their privacy.
A LinkedIn post by Greg Wilson attracted attention after he recommended cancelling Zoom subscriptions until the company reviews and adjusts these privacy policy updates. Aparna Bawa, chief operating officer at Zoom, responded, stating that the purpose of the updated policy is to enhance user experience and ensure transparency regarding data usage. She clarified that the use of generative AI features, such as team chat composition and meeting summary, is optional and requires the user’s consent to share customer content with Zoom. Participants are promptly informed within meetings or chat pop-ups when these AI features are enabled via the user interface.
Despite these clarifications, many users still express concerns about the lack of transparency and compliance with privacy regulations. They demand clearer communication from Zoom in order to address worries about AI model training from recorded meetings. Some users question why meetings and webinars are used for AI training, even without cloud recording. Others raise legal concerns regarding the binding nature of Zoom’s response compared to the broader terms outlined in the privacy policy. The necessity of obtaining GDPR consent and concerns about data usage are also emphasized.
This recent update of Zoom’s privacy policy mirrors the concerns raised when Google updated its own privacy policy, permitting the collection of publicly available data for AI model training. These moves have sparked worries about the potential monopolization of the internet by tech giants and the erosion of its open nature. Similar concerns have also been raised about the practices of OpenAI, inviting regulatory scrutiny.
In conclusion, Zoom’s privacy policy update has generated significant concerns among users regarding the collection and usage of their data for AI training. While the company has attempted to address these concerns by clarifying the opt-in nature of certain features, users still emphasize the need for transparency and compliance with privacy regulations. The evolving landscape of data collection and AI training raises important questions about privacy and the role of tech giants in shaping our online experiences.
