It is pretty safe.
As the world goes inside and practices safe physical distance during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people around the world have reached out through Zoom to reconnect to the people that they can’t meet with in person.
Zoom now requires passwords for all meetings. At Leaside, we also:
- disable screen share and chat options during our worship service
- ask participants to use a name (for instance “Emily” rather than “ipad”) so that we know who you are
- only share meeting links and passwords through phone calls and email lists – not the website or social media
The company Zoom has taken responsible action during a time when their users have increased by 500% in just a few short weeks. Zoom has invested all of their research and development resources into ensuring your security and safety. Here is there most recent statement about enhanced security protocols for Zoom meetings.
Hackers can not control your camera or audio via the Zoom platform. Zoom’s Privacy Policy shares how your privacy and security is their top priority and how you are protected when using the platform.
The largest concerns right now are surrounding confidential information as in “industrial and political espionage, as well as cybercrime” for governments, industry and business. Read this CTV article here for the most up to date media response “Think twice before using Zoom for confidential ….”
For the average user meeting with family, friends and colleagues, the Zoom platform proves to be safe.
Many organizations like the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) and the United Church of Canada are using the Zoom platform to move classes, meetings and communications online.
At Leaside United we have carefully selected settings that increase your safety and security in the Zoom gatherings and meetings as an example by not allowing people to share screens in worship services, enabling passwords for meeting rooms and identifying and greeting each participant as they join the meeting. It is important to us that you have a safe, secure and rewarding experience when we join together online.
If you have specific concerns or questions please reach out to Rev. Emily Gordon.