Video conferencing giant Zoom is acquiring the secure messaging and file-sharing service Keybase.
The startup will provide Zoom with end-to-end encryption that can scale and meet high demand for enterprises as well as regular users video chatting with friends and family. The move is part of Zoom’s 90-day plan to address loopholes on its platform and eliminate uninvited conference crashers known as “Zoom bombers”.
Zoom previously claimed it implements end-to-end encryption, considered the most private form of online communication, to stop third parties from intercepting calls, videos and text messages. But as the use of Zoom skyrocketed during the pandemic, it became clear that the firm was using a less secure form of encryption.
In a push to regain users’ trust, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan says working with Keybase will make the platform far more secure.
“This acquisition marks a key step for Zoom as we attempt to accomplish the creation of a truly private video communications platform that can scale to hundreds of millions of participants, while also having the flexibility to support Zoom’s wide variety of uses.”
The end-to-end encryption feature will be rolled out to paying customers. Zoom says it will publish a detailed draft on the cryptographic design of its system on May 22nd.
The company is also planning to ask for feedback from cryptographic experts, its customers and the public before it launches the new security features.
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