Zoom has started rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for both free and paid users globally. The new E2EE feature is currently available as a technical preview for 30 days in video meetings with up to 200 participants. Available for all users, Zoom has turned off the feature by default, and users need to switch it on for enhanced protection in meetings. Currently, it is available on Zoom desktop client version 5.4.0 for Mac and PC, Zoom Android app, and Zoom Rooms. However, the iOS users may have to wait for some time as the app is still pending Apple AppStore approval.
The video conferencing platform has, by default, turned this feature off, and turning it on will disable some key features of Zoom. These include live transcription, cloud recording, Breakout Rooms, 1:1 private chat, polling, meeting reactions, and join before host. When you turn on the end-to-end encryption feature, it will show a green shield at the top of a meeting window, and a padlock sign will appear.
Zoom E2EE & YouTube Live Streaming
Zoom end-to-end encryption is currently working on meetings with up to 200 participants only, and all users can access this feature. Users need to turn on E2EE, and when it is enabled, the meeting is end-to-end encrypted and secured. Not even the Zoom servers will can then access the encryption keys used to secure the meeting. According to Zoom, this is just phase 1 of the rollout, and the company will roll out more features in phase 2. The company has tentatively scheduled phase 2 in 2021.
In addition to the new end-to-end encryption feature, the video conferencing platform has also added the ability to stream meetings live on YouTube. However, this feature is currently only available to Android users with Zoom app version 5.4.0.434. To use this feature, users can find it under the overflow menu and click on that. They then need to link their YouTube account to stream the meeting live on YouTube.
