Zoom Video Communications Inc has agreed to pay tens of millions of dollars to settle a lawsuit over user privacy and “Zoombombing”.
Zoom exploded in popularity last year.
But alongside the surge in popularity, the company came under fire for a range of privacy issues, including the lack of end-to-end encryption on the platform.
The class action lawsuit was filed in March 2020, claiming that Zoom had shared personal data with Facebook, Google and Linkedin.
The video conferencing firm was also accused of failing to prevent hackers from interrupting online meetings, a phenomenon which became known as “Zoombombing”.
Zoom has denied any wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay US$85 million to settle the lawsuit. The company has also agreed to improve its security practices.
“The privacy and security of our users are top priorities for Zoom, and we take seriously the trust our users place in us.”
zoom statement
“We are proud of the advancements we have made to our platform, and look forward to continuing to innovate with privacy and security at the forefront,” Zoom said in a statement.
If the settlement is approved by a judge, subscribers in the class action would be eligible for 15% refunds on their subscriptions or $25, whichever is larger.
Those who did not pay for a subscription can make a claim for $15.
THE RISE OF THE VIDEO CALL
Zoom surged in popularity last year, as many people became reliant on video conferencing for not only work, but contact with their family and friends.
Zoom had 81,900 customers with more than 10 employees at the start of 2020. By April 2021, that number had since risen to 497,000.
The company’s boss has described 2020 as an “unprecedented year for Zoom”.
Eric Yuan believes we’re likely to see a hybrid work model post-COVID-19, as the “traditional way” no longer works.
“We are energised to help lead the evolution to hybrid work that allows greater flexibility, productivity, and happiness to both in-person and virtual connections,” Yuan says.
How will China’s investigation into Zhongzhi Enterprise Group impact the shadow banking industry and the nation’s financial stability?
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Authorities are scrutinizing the group’s operations amid concerns about illicit activities that may have repercussions on the country’s financial stability. #featured
Target in the United States has come under scrutiny for offering identical prices in its ‘Black Friday deals’ as those available throughout the year.
Shoppers are left perplexed by the lack of discounts, with many questioning the authenticity of the so-called Black Friday bargains.
Concerns arose when savvy consumers noticed that the prices of various products in Target’s Black Friday promotion were the same as those listed in previous months.
Shoppers took to social media to voice their frustrations, with one customer stating, “It’s the same, I don’t get it.” This revelation has raised questions about the transparency and ethics of retailers during the holiday shopping season.
While Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping frenzy, with retailers offering significant discounts to entice shoppers, Target’s decision to maintain regular prices has left shoppers wondering if they are truly getting a deal.
This has led to a broader discussion about the consumer experience during Black Friday and whether the shopping event has lost its original appeal.
With the rise of online shopping and increased competition among retailers, consumers are more price-conscious than ever.
Target’s pricing strategy has ignited a debate about the future of Black Friday and whether it can continue to attract shoppers with unchanged prices. As the holiday season unfolds, consumers are left to decide whether to seek out genuine deals or shop elsewhere.
As the global workforce continues to adapt to the remote work revolution, a new concern is emerging among employees – the increasing burden of work-related expenses.
