Zoom’s new terms of service reveal the firm plans to use client data to train an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) model. This update went live on July 27 and essentially gives the platform permission to access some consumer data for internal training purposes.
Now, this might not sound like a huge issue to some, but Zoom’s “service-generated data” will actually train its AI to utilise user information on product usage, telemetry and diagnostic data, and similar material or data acquired by the company. Unfortunately, there is no effective way to prevent your data from being collected. Therefore, erasing your account is probably your only choice.
To be frank, it’s not that unusual for businesses to engage in such data collection. But the primary concern arises from the fact that Zoom is gathering all this data, and for the express purpose of training its AI models. This is what you’ll find in the small print if you take the time to read it.
You consent to Zoom’s access, use, collection, creation, modification, distribution, processing, sharing, maintenance, and storage of Service Generated Data for any purpose, to the extent and in the manner permitted under applicable Law, including for the purpose of product and service development, marketing, analytics, quality assurance, machine learning or artificial intelligence (including for the purposes of training and tuning of algorithms and models).
Zoom Clarifying Consent Before Using Data
This means that no user-generated content, such as messages, files, or documents, will be included. Zoom also made it clear that they won’t be using audio, video, or conversation for the AI model’s training. When the statement adds that these components are not utilised “without customer consent,” however, it becomes more unsettling because it is unclear when users will be given the option of deciding whether or not to make their data accessible to the platform.
There is really no reason to be concerned about Zoom developing the feature. Many other sites and services already collect data like this. The company’s candour is appreciated, but It is to be concerned how customers would react given that many are still cautious in light of this.
Source: Zoom Blog
