Multiple state AGs looking into Zoom’s privacy practices - POLITICO

"The service has quickly become a household name as federal and state officials call on a vast majority of Americans to self-isolate.

Multiple state attorneys general are banding together to scrutinize virtual conferencing company Zoom’s privacy and security practices, one top enforcer told POLITICO late Thursday, the biggest sign to date that its regulatory woes are ballooning as its popularity surges during the coronavirus outbreak.

“We are alarmed by the Zoom-bombing incidents and are seeking more information from the company about its privacy and security measures in coordination with other state attorneys general,” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong told POLITICO in a statement.

Tong did not say which offices he is working with, and a spokesperson declined to elaborate.

In response to the remarks, a Zoom spokesperson said in a statement, "We appreciate the outreach we have received on these issues from various elected officials and look forward to engaging with them.”

The revelation comes days after a New York Times report disclosed that New York Attorney General Tish James pressed Zoom in a recent letter to spell out whether it has taken added steps to boost security on the platform as its usage has skyrocketed.

A James spokesperson confirmed to POLITICO that the AG sent Zoom a letter “to ensure the company is taking appropriate steps to ensure users' privacy and security are protected.”

The service, which allows users to remotely video conference, chat and message, has quickly become a household name as federal and state officials call on a vast majority of Americans to self-isolate.

But its soaring popularity has also brought swift scrutiny from regulators and legislators.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a leading privacy hawk in Washington, has demanded that the company reveal what consumer data it collects, stores and shares. And in an interview with POLITICO on Thursday, Blumenthal said he’s discussed the matter with several state attorneys general, including James and others.

“We have been in touch with other authorities, and I’ve been in touch with colleagues and I think there’s some common themes in the scrutiny that Zoom is receiving,” he said."

Multiple state AGs looking into Zoom’s privacy practices - POLITICO