What is Zoom for Government?

The rapid spread of the coronavirus has led to a surge in remote communication tools, with Zoom being one of the most popular platforms used globally by an estimated 300 million people daily. The company's success has caught the attention of competitors like Facebook, which recently introduced its own video chat feature allowing up to 50 people to join a single conversation.

However, despite its widespread adoption, Zoom has not been without controversy. In early April, the Citizen Lab, a digital communications laboratory based at the University of Toronto, warned about potential security risks associated with using the platform. The company's rapid growth has also prompted concerns from government agencies and officials, who have cautioned against using Zoom for public business.

In fact, senior parliamentary figures were advised that Zoom should only be used for public business, according to a recent report. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of intelligence agency GCHQ, issued a warning stating that Zoom should not be used for classified business and explicitly warned against discussing matters detrimental to China's interests.

The warning was reportedly shared with individuals directly involved in negotiations and not widely disseminated among MPs or members of select committees responsible for conducting inquiries related to China. This raises concerns about the potential risks associated with using Zoom, particularly when sensitive information is being discussed.

Despite these warnings, Zoom continues to be used by government officials, including those who have conducted virtual meetings through the platform. In fact, Zoom was recently used as part of proceedings in the House of Commons, including during prime minister's questions.

In conclusion, while Zoom has become an essential tool for remote communication, its use should be approached with caution, particularly when discussing sensitive information or conducting public business. Governments and officials must be aware of the potential security risks associated with using the platform and take necessary precautions to ensure that their communications remain secure and confidential.

What is zoom for government