Zoom to launch new blocking feature

Zoom is adding the block feature to comply with requests from local authorities about illegal activity on the platform

 

Perpetually in demand video-conferencing app Zoom is working on new features that will make it possible to block users based on their geographical location.

Zoom recently suspended three user accounts based in Hong Kong and the US at the behest of the Chinese government, the company admitted.

The company came under fire for suspending the accounts, which were conferences to remember the June 4th Tiananmen Square massacre.

Zoom later reinstated the accounts and revealed in blog post that it was developing tools to allow targeted blocking.

“Zoom is developing technology over the next several days that will enable us to remove or block at the participant level based on geography,” said the company. “This will enable us to comply with requests from local authorities when they determine activity on our platform is illegal within their borders.”

Zoom said it was informed by the Chinese government in May and early June that four meetings commemorating the Tiananmen Square massacre would be taking place.

“The Chinese government informed us that this activity is illegal in China and demanded that Zoom terminate the meetings and host accounts,” Zoom said.

Zoom added that they did not provide any user information or meeting content to the Chinese government. “We do not have a backdoor that allows someone to enter a meeting without being visible.”

“Going forward Zoom will not allow requests from the Chinese government to impact anyone outside of mainland China,” Zoom further added.

“We are improving our global policy to respond to these types of requests. We will outline this policy as part of our transparency report, to be published by June 30, 2020.”