Zoom Partners with HSBC on Epilepsy Safety Feature

Zoom and HSBC have developed an accessibility feature to stop users from experiencing potentially epilepsy seizure-triggering lighting or patterns.

The two businesses partnered to create a setting that allows users to dim screen share video, reducing the risk of seizure-inducing content.

The solution originated from feedback provided by HSBC Compliance Assurance Manager Joanne Austin, who had been diagnosed with epilepsy over 20 years ago and had experienced the increased use of Zoom during the pandemic. Austin informed HSBC that she experienced two incidents when colleagues shared content over Zoom, including flashing patterns, and she closely avoided seizures.

“I often have to protect myself from digital technologies that can trigger my epilepsy,” Austin said.

During the pandemic, you had to use digital video communications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet to do your job. On one of these calls, a colleague shared a game on Zoom that had moving pictures. That’s one of my triggers. Out of nowhere, that set me off – unlike the auras or a funny taste in the mouth that others have to warn them, I don’t get any warning. The wrong moving images come up on the screen, and I end up on the floor.”

Austin, aware that other HSBC colleagues (and video conferencing users around the globe) could be similarly vulnerable to potentially triggering content, collaborated with HSBC’s accessibility team by first tweaking Austin’s browser settings to turn off images automatically and assessed what HSBC screensavers could be triggering.

HSBC then contacted Zoom, and the companies partnered to produce a safety functionality that can recognise flashing images, which are subsequently turned off before the screen is dimmed. HSBC’s accessibility team tested the capability with extensive variables to ensure it would work both at home and on-premises.

“Zoom is now accessible and safe for others with epilepsy,” Austin added. “Migraine sufferers have said it may help them too. I’m so proud that I and my employer had a hand in making this happen.”

The feature is now generally available to all Zoom users and accessible via “Settings”.

A Busy Summer for Zoom

Zoom has had an impressive (and wide-ranging) summer of announcements.

In June, Zoom introduced several new data storage tools to give users greater control and insights into their privacy.

Zoom’s privacy, product, and engineering teams produced intuitive solutions for users to manage their data and privacy preferences. Among the multiple features Zoom launched were European Economic Area (EEA)-based localised data storage, data subject access areas, and audit log tracking.

Later in June, Zoom partnered with Sony to bring its video communications and collaboration platform to BRAVIA TVs. The solution, available as a Zoom for TV app download through Google TV, aims to help users connect with colleagues for video conferences in remote or hybrid working situations.

This was swiftly succeeded by the launch of a new calendar alignment solution, Zoom Scheduler, which aimed to minimise friction in planning meetings and streamline collaboration. Zoom Scheduler intended to reduce the “toggle tax” of moving between various applications like a user’s email, calendar, and video communications service, which saps productivity.

At the end of June, Zoom launched its Intelligent Director for Zoom Rooms to enhance the hybrid working experience. The solution leverages AI and multiple cameras to produce the best image and angle of all participants in a meeting room so remote participants can clearly see everyone.

The offering intends to address the problem of participants being more likely to be hidden by others in bigger spaces when the meeting technology only utilises a single camera. Intelligent Director’s multi-camera configuration and leverage of AI technology intend to offer “meeting equity to everyone in the room”, as Zoom’s announcement described it.

Earlier this month, news broke that Zoom was increasing its investment in Asia-Pacific to build growth. CNBC uncovered that Zoom was, in its own words, “doubling down” on its investments in Asia-Pacific, consolidating the “strong commitment” the vendor had made there two years ago.