Zoom has introduced several new data storage tools to give users greater control and insights into their privacy.
Zoom's privacy, product, and engineering teams have produced easy-to-use solutions for users to manage their data and privacy preferences better. Among the myriad features Zoom is launching are European Economic Area (EEA)-based localised data storage, data subject access areas, and audit log tracking.
Lynn Haaland, Chief Compliance, Ethics, & Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel at Zoom, said:
We’re proud to announce these privacy updates for our customers. These new tools offer our European customers more control over where their data is processed and stored, along with the option to delete personal data. Institutions can choose us knowing that they’ve selected a vendor that’s committed to protecting their data."
Concerns around security, compliance and privacy continue to grow with hybrid working becoming the new normal — and the risks to sensitive information that accompany that workplace transition — while the EU's digital sovereignty agenda has encouraged vendors to reinforce their security and privacy systems.
An Extensive List of Data Protection Features
Perhaps the most significant new privacy-oriented feature that Zoom is introducing is EEA-based data storage. Customers based in the EEA can now choose specific data for meetings, webinars, and team chats to be stored within the EEA. Zoom intends to ensure customer confidence that their eligible data is secure within EEA boundaries.
Zoom's announcement added that "this data will only be shared with US teams in individual cases and exceptional circumstances, such as with Zoom's Trust & Safety team".
Zoom has added a GDPR-compliant tool for administrators to manage data subject requests for access or deletion of a user's personal data for Zoom meetings, webinars, and team chat.
Administrator audit logs record the actions that IT admins process on behalf of users. Account owners and administrators can track when these audit logs are exported or deleted.
Zoom also confirmed that users would have more "visibility into Zoom's data retention and deletion policies as well as the standards and actions the company is taking to align with policies". These policies can be found in the company's privacy sheet.
It is easier for users to opt out of Zoom marketing communications and newsletters by using Zoom's Marketing Preference Centre. At the same time, Zoom has also established a European support team, meaning customers who opt-in can enjoy direct technical support. Local employees process support information within the EEA during regular business hours.
