Zoom is training AI with customer data, know the reason behind it

Zoom has previously said that it does not use any of its customer's data to train its AI without their permission. But when users enable Zoom's generative AI features, released in June, the company makes them sign a consent form allowing Zoom to use their information to train its AI models.

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 02:53 PM (IST)
 0
Zoom is training AI with customer data, know the reason behind it

Zoom has changed its terms of service following online backlash over a recent update to the company's fine print allowing AI training on customer data. A report by Stackdiary later this week highlighted that the company has made some changes.
The company appeared to be giving it broad control over customer data for its AI training purposes without much fanfare in March. In response, Zoom published a blog post today claiming it will not do what its terms say.
The company updated its terms in response to the continued blowback. According to this condition, Zoom will no longer train AI models on consumer video, audio, or chat 'without the customer's consent'.
In June, Zoom introduced two new generative AI features—the meeting summary tool and the chat message writing tool—on a free trial basis for customers who can decide whether to use them. But when users enable these features, Zoom makes them sign a consent form, allowing Zoom to train its AI models using their individual customer information.
At least part of the problem originated with Zoom's experimental AI tools, which include IQ Meeting Summary (ML-powered summarization) and IQ Team Chat Compose (AI-powered message drafting). Although account holders have to give consent before starting a meeting using these tools, additional participants are given only two options. Accept the terms and join the meeting, or decline them and leave the meeting.
Alex Ivanovs wrote for StackDiary that what raises concerns is the use of this data for machine learning and AI. This is a clear mention of the company's authority, which also includes training and tuning of algorithms and models. This effectively allows Zoom to train its AI on customer information without giving an opt-out option.

Muskan Kumawat Journalist & Writer