Does Zoom monitor your activity?

Answered by Robert Flynn

As of my knowledge, Zoom does not actively monitor your activity unless certain features are enabled by the host of a meeting or webinar. One such feature is Zoom’s attention tracking, which can track your attention while using the screen-sharing feature. However, it is important to note that this feature is disabled by default and needs to be manually enabled by the host.

Zoom’s attention tracking feature is primarily designed for educational or business purposes, where the host may want to ensure that participants are actively engaged and paying attention during presentations or training sessions. When this feature is enabled, the host can receive notifications about participants who have clicked away from the Zoom window and are no longer actively viewing the shared screen. This can help the host identify if someone is multitasking or has lost focus during the session.

It’s worth mentioning that attention tracking only applies to the screen-sharing feature of Zoom, and it does not track attention during regular video chats or meetings without screen sharing. So, if you’re simply having a video conversation with someone, Zoom does not actively monitor your activity or track your attention.

In terms of privacy, Zoom has faced some scrutiny and criticism in the past regarding data security and privacy concerns. However, the company has taken steps to address these issues and improve its security measures. It is recommended to use the latest version of Zoom and keep it updated to benefit from the security enhancements and privacy features.

To ensure your privacy during Zoom meetings, it is always a good practice to follow some general guidelines. These include:

1. Use a unique meeting ID or password for each meeting to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Avoid sharing meeting links or passwords publicly or on unsecured platforms.
3. Be cautious while granting screen-sharing or remote control permissions to participants and only give access to trusted individuals.
4. Familiarize yourself with Zoom’s security settings and features, such as enabling waiting rooms and requiring participants to authenticate before joining.
5. Use strong and unique passwords for your Zoom account to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Keep your Zoom application and other devices up to date with the latest security patches.

While Zoom has implemented measures to enhance security and privacy, it is always essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when using any online platform. Being mindful of the settings and features you enable can help protect your privacy during Zoom meetings.

Please note that my response is based on the information available at the time of writing, and it’s always a good idea to stay informed about any updates or changes to Zoom’s policies and features by referring to official sources or contacting Zoom directly.