News

Not a safe platform : India bans Zoom for government use

April 16, 2020 11:08 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

India has banned the use of video-conferencing app Zoom for government remote meetings, the government said Thursday, in the latest warning about the platform's security,

The app has become the global go-to service for everything from education to exercise classes as millions stay home because of lockdowns to combat COVID-19's spread.

"This advisory states that the platform is not for use by government officers/officials for official purposes," the Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement Thursday, referring to the guidelines it had issued Sunday. "Zoom is not a safe platform," the statement said.

The ministry also advised private users on how to avoid issues such as "Zoombombing" -- when uninvited guests join the video call, often to harass users. India's cyber-security agency warned earlier this year of the app's security vulnerabilities.

Last week Taiwan advised government agencies against using videoconferencing apps with security concerns, such as Zoom.

And Singapore on Tuesday allowed teachers to resume using Zoom after suspending it last week, when gatecrashers interrupted a class and made lewd comments.

Similar "Zoombombing" incidents have been reported in Indian classrooms, according to local media, while the New York school system has banned Zoom-based security concerns. Prosecutors from several US states -- including Connecticut, New York, and Florida -- are meanwhile investigating the Silicon Valley-based company's privacy and security practices.

The FBI has warned of Zoom sessions being hijacked. Zoom has sought to make improvements to its application as security concerns mount. According to creator Eric Yuan, the number of people taking part in Zoom meetings daily eclipsed 200 million in March, up from just 10 million at the end of last year.

The Indian government order came days after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted a picture of himself chairing a Zoom video conference with senior ministry and military officials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOavNaBX4NU


Most Read

  1. Public Holiday announced in Lahore tomorrow Public Holiday announced in Lahore tomorrow
  2. Nazish Jahangir to hit any marriage proposal from Babar Azam out of the ground Nazish Jahangir to hit any marriage proposal from Babar Azam out of the ground
  3. ‘Rs150m corruption scandal’ involving Marriyum Aurangzeb surfaces ‘Rs150m corruption scandal’ involving Marriyum Aurangzeb surfaces
  4. Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again
  5. Iranian First Lady visits Numl Iranian First Lady visits Numl
  6. Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji

Opinion

  1. Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy
    Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy

    By Salim Bokhari

  2. Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph
    Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph

    By Zulfiqar Ali Mir

  3. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  4. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  5. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay

  6. Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses
    Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses

    By Ali Ramay