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FTC announces a settlement with Zoom over security issues

Zoom
Image: Chris Montgomery

Zoom will implement new security practices as part of a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced on Monday.

"Zoom has agreed to a requirement to establish and implement a comprehensive security program, a prohibition on privacy and security misrepresentations, and other detailed and specific relief to protect its user base, which has skyrocketed from 10 million in December 2019 to 300 million in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic," the FTC said in a press release.

The FTC accused Zoom of deceiving customers when it falsely promised end-to-end encryption and "secretly" installed a web browser called ZoomOpener.

Under the proposed settlement, Zoom will undergo third-party audits of its security program every year.

Emily Birnbaum

Emily Birnbaum ( @birnbaum_e) is a former tech policy reporter with Protocol. Her coverage focuses on the U.S. government's attempts to regulate one of the most powerful industries in the world, with a focus on antitrust, privacy and politics. Previously, she worked as a tech policy reporter with The Hill after spending several months as a breaking news reporter. She is a Bethesda, Maryland native and proud Kenyon College alumna.

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