Zoom is currently piloting displaying advertising to users on its free “Basic” tier, according to a blog post. At the conclusion of a call, advertisements will appear on the browser page shown to individuals. Zoom claims that ads are available in certain nations only for users on the Basic plan, but no specifics are given in its blog post. If another Basic tier user invites you to a meeting, you’ll see advertisements whether or not you’re paying for the service.
A significant change for Zoom
Although advertisements will not be shown during meetings themselves, it is still a significant change for the video conferencing service. Zoom has typically imposed only minor limitations on its free tier, which helped the service explode in popularity last year as people all over the world began working and socializing from home. Even its end-to-end encryption, which Zoom originally said would be restricted to premium users, eventually came to free users.
“This change ensures that our free Basic users are able to continue connecting with friends, family, and colleagues with the same robust platform we have always offered”
-Zoom
Zoom has promised that it won’t target advertisements based on “meeting, webinar, or messaging content (particularly audio, video, files, and messages)” to avoid a similar privacy outrage like the one it caused last year’s surge in popularity.
