Video messaging services have spiked in popularity. Using conferencing apps has become more than just an occasional event when classes, offices, and family gatherings go online. While these video messaging services helped people across the world stay connected despite the distance, there were several security concerns as users realized their data was not always private.
Privacy concerns on all social platforms are alarming. Understanding what information software collects from you is an important step towards gaining control over your own information. This information can help you find the safest video messaging service for you to use.
What Are Video Messaging Services?
Video messaging services allow people to connect with each other visually in real-time. It’s a great way to substitute large gatherings or unnecessary face-to-face meetings.
While many offices use these services to connect with remote clients or personnel, more users are joining for social purposes.
These video apps help your family and friends stay connected with you no matter where you are. They're a great way for people to play games remotely together or hang out and catch up with their mates.
Some software even adds free features that help everyone feel included (like Zoom’s free closed captioning).
Are Video Messaging Services Secure?
These video messaging services are incredibly useful, but some apps take more information than others. If you want to keep your sensitive information private, it’s important to learn about the different information apps take from you.
Most messaging apps collect some level of data for purposes ranging from verifying your identity to tailoring your individual user experience.
Aside from potential exploitation, a huge concern is what happens when the information gets out. Theoretically, if your information is stored somewhere, a successful hacker can access it. Luckily, these platforms implement strong security measures to protect your data from cybercriminals.
Despite the security measures, it’s still good to know what information companies collect from you. This knowledge helps prepare you for any potential threats or data breaches, or boost your sense of privacy.
You may realize that switching to another more private conferencing platform is in your best interest.
What Data Do Video Conferencing Services Collect?
Almost all software collects some level of data from users. Some bits of information are necessary to verify users and get the program running smoothly and effectively.
Far too often, however, companies collect more than is necessary, which can compromise your privacy and security.
Skype
Arguably the most popular video messaging service, Skype offers voice, chat, and video calls through Microsoft’s private services.
While we don’t know everything about the data Skype collects from us, we know that they do collect a lot of our interactions through the platform. In addition to the information you use to register your accounts, the platform saves your private conversations on cloud servers.
Microsoft offers call information to government agencies upon request. This transparency allows people to fight crime and terrorism; however, this safety sacrifices the privacy of all users. The company is notorious for privacy concerns, although the information it takes is incredibly secure.
It’s important to keep in mind that Microsoft doesn’t just sell your information to anyone. You can’t call up the company and bribe your way into purchasing an embarrassing video of a friend or anything like that. Conversations are only shared with governments when it's believed that justice or safety is at risk.
Zoom
During the rise of remote offices, Zoom soared in popularity. It’s a popular platform that greatly facilitates conference calls for offices and school meetings.
Zoom came under scrutiny several times due to major security breaches where “Zoombombing” became a severe concern.
Despite the threat of malicious prankers, there are plenty of privacy concerns that are a bigger problem. Analyses found that Zoom sent information to Facebook (even if the users did not have a registered account). Additionally, features like “attention-tracking” help hosts monitor what users are doing on their screens during meetings in their own homes.
Google Hangouts
As a company, Google has a lot of information on you. While Google Hangouts uses top-of-the-line encryption to keep your conversations private, it’s important to know that Google does store a lot of your data.
While these may cause concern for people, keep in mind that Google Hangouts is probably the least of your problems.
The company gathers a lot of information on you from email communications, chrome activity, and Google searches. Did you know that Google saves your search history forever, even if you delete it on your local device?
These are important things to keep in mind when you start to notice how accurate your targeted ads are. And yes, Google Meet uses a similar system.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a very secure server. The service has all the power of Microsoft at their disposal, much like Skype, but is better tailed for business settings.
Much like Skype, Microsoft Teams also complies with Microsoft’s privacy regulations. This vague policy promises that your data stays secure, but as with the aforementioned video conferencing app, a lot of information is likely stored just in case.
WebEx
If you are looking for a secure video messaging option, many consider WebEx to be the best option. Unlike other video messaging services, the company is incredibly transparent about what information it needs and how it ensures your privacy and data protection.
The firm is straightforward when it says it does not spy on you.
While no video messaging software has employees actively sitting at a screen and monitoring your activity, many do store information, use software that exploits your activity, and saves the information for a later date.
This is not possible with WebEx as it prioritizes your security and privacy for both business and personal use.
Are Video Messaging Services Safe to Use?
Video messaging services are a now seen as a necessity. They allow for a tailored experience that helps connect parties all over the world.
While these applications are secure and useful, they do take some information you might want to be aware of. Learning about what data companies take from you helps you keep control over your privacy and make informed decisions regarding your software use.
