Let’s give you the tea on Zoom’s Terms of Service update that require you to take action.

What has changed?

Zoom initially updated its terms, particularly sections 10.1 to 10.6, to include clauses around how they use, process and handle Customer Content and Service Generated Data. This includes how Zoom can use data to train and develop machine learning and artificial intelligence models.

Then, after users expressed outrage, Zoom did a U-turn and said it won’t use any customer content in training generative AI models. However, the information below is still valuable for video-conferencing tools that use AI.

How does this affect you?

These changes may still require Zoom users, including customers and End Users, to update their privacy notices and include specific disclaimers in messages or communications related to Zoom services.

Here’s why:

  1. Customer Content: Zoom may access, use, and process Customer Content (such as data, files, and documents) for various purposes, including product and service development, marketing, and quality assurance.
  2. Service Generated Data: This data can be compiled by Zoom based on Customer Content and use of the services. It can be used for machine learning, training algorithms, marketing, and other purposes.
  3. Obligations and consent: Zoom outlines the responsibilities and acknowledgements of the customer, including compliance with laws requiring the consent of third parties for the use of Customer Content.
  4. Data protection: Although Zoom maintains safeguards against unauthorised access, you are responsible for the Customer Content transmitted, including its accuracy and compliance with relevant Laws.
  5. Audio, video, and chat content: Zoom promises not to use this specific content to train artificial intelligence models without consent. However, they’ve not indicated how their models distinguish between the different data sets.

Actions to take next

If you are providing services through Zoom or collecting data via Zoom, you must review the changes to the Terms of Service and consider how they may affect your own legal obligations.

You also need to:

  • Update your privacy notices to reflect these changes.
  • Ensure that you have the appropriate consent from your End Users.
  • Include appropriate disclaimers in your messages or communications.
  • Review your practices to ensure you comply with all relevant privacy and data protection laws.

Please review the full Terms of Service here to understand the complete details of these updates.

How we can support you

These changes underline the importance of clear communication and compliance with data protection laws. If you have any questions or concerns, you should reach out to us to ensure that your use of Zoom’s services aligns with all applicable legal obligations.