Zoom Video Communications, Inc. has addressed concerns about user data privacy in its recent terms of service update. The company assures users that their data will not be used for artificial intelligence (AI) training without explicit consent. The move comes after user apprehensions over new terms that indicated potential privacy invasion.
Updated Terms Highlights
Explicit Consent: Zoom’s terms of service now explicitly state that audio, video, or chat content from customers will not be utilized to train AI models without their consent.
Transparency and Control: The company emphasizes its commitment to transparency and user control, particularly regarding AI features and customer content sharing for product improvement.
Ownership Clarifications: Zoom specifies that while they may use customer content for value-added services, users still own and control their content. For example, livestreaming a webinar on YouTube doesn’t relinquish ownership.
Changes in Terms of Service
- Sections 10.1 and 10.6: These sections affirm user ownership of created content, even if used for value-added services.
- Section 10.2: Zoom acknowledges service-generated data as its own, contributing to a better user experience.
- Section 10.4: Zoom ensures clear usage rights for value-added services, like meeting recordings.
Impact on Healthcare and Education
Zoom pledges not to employ customer content, including sensitive educational or healthcare data, for AI training without proper consent. Separate agreements for these sectors ensure data protection.
Generative AI Features
Zoom has introduced AI features—Zoom IQ Meeting Summary and Zoom IQ Team Chat Compose—that offer automated meeting summaries and AI-powered chat composition. Users can enable these features at their discretion.
Consent Process and Notification
- Users who opt for these AI features will undergo a clear consent process for model training with their content. Zoom assures that customer content solely enhances AI service performance and won’t be used for third-party model training.
- Admins can consent to new AI features through Zoom’s user interface, and participants will be notified when generative AI services are active during meetings.
Announcing the update, Zoom posted:
At Zoom, we are dedicated to being transparent and providing you with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about your account. We value your privacy and are constantly working to improve our services while respecting your rights and preferences. Together, we will continue to create meaningful and seamless collaboration experiences through Zoom.