Zoom rolls out end-to-end encryption: What features will work and what not - Times of India

Video conferencing platform Zoom has rolled out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to both free and paid users globally. You can avail E2EE in video meetings with up to 200 participants on Zoom desktop client version 5.4.0 for Mac and PC, the Zoom Android app, and Zoom Rooms. For iPhone users, it may take some time as the Zoom iOS app is pending Apple App Store approval.
When the E2EE is turned on, you will see a green shield at the top left side of a meeting window. TO ensure that the meeting is encrypted, a padlock sign will appear.
Zoom is using 256-bit AES-GCM encryption that secures Zoom meetings by default. “When users enable E2EE for their meetings, nobody except each participant — not even Zoom’s meeting servers — has access to the encryption keys that are used to encrypt the meeting,” claims Zoom.
In a statement, the company said Account admins can enable theE2EE feature in their web dashboard at the account, group, and user level. This feature can also be locked at the account or group level. “If enabled, the host can toggle on and off E2EE for any given meeting depending on the level of security and level of functionality they would like,” it added.
What features work and do not work with end-to-end encryption
Zoom is providing E2EE features for meetings with up to 200 participants. So, if you are using a Basic or Pro plan then you will be covered. However, for Enterprise users, this may become a problem as the number of participants can start a meeting with up to 500 participants.
For the free plan, Zoom users will have to verify their phone numbers with OTP via SMS and add a credit card or any other billing option to get E2EE.
It is important to note that not all features will work with Zoom’s E2EE. You will not be able to get access to features like cloud recording, meeting reactions, polls and live transcription. Also, participants will not be able to join before the host in a meeting. Zoom also states that while using E2EE, participants will not be able to use telephone, Lync or Skype clients, SIP/H.323 devices, or use other settings to join Zoom meetings. This is because Zoom can’t provide E2EE for these modes.