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Is Zoom safe to use?

Safe

Yes, with the right settings. Zoom fixed most of its 2020 problems, and end-to-end encryption is available if you switch it on.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Zoom Communications
Based in
San Jose, USA
Encryption
Encrypted in transit by default; end-to-end encryption is optional and turns off some features.
Data it collects
Account details, meeting metadata and, if enabled, recordings and transcripts.
Minimum age
16+ for free accounts (Zoom for Education for schools)

What keeps you safe

  • Optional end-to-end encryption for meetings.
  • Waiting rooms and passcodes stop uninvited guests.
  • Two-factor authentication.

Risks to know about

  • Zoom settled with the US FTC in 2020 over claims it had overstated its encryption.
  • It paid $85 million in 2021 to settle a class action over "Zoombombing" and data sharing.
  • Shared meeting links let strangers join if no passcode is set.

Scams to watch for on Zoom

  • Fake meeting invites that lead to login pages.
  • Fake Zoom installers carrying malware.

Is Zoom legit?

Zoom is a legitimate, publicly listed company.

Is it safe for kids?

Use school accounts and keep waiting rooms on.

How to use Zoom safely

  1. Use waiting rooms and passcodes.

  2. Turn on end-to-end encryption for sensitive calls.

  3. Download Zoom only from zoom.us or official app stores.

Where Zoom is restricted

Does a VPN make Zoom safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Zoom collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (with the protocol on Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Zoom safe to use?

Yes, with the right settings. Zoom fixed most of its 2020 problems, and end-to-end encryption is available if you switch it on.

Is Zoom legit?

Zoom is a legitimate, publicly listed company.

Is Zoom encrypted?

Encrypted in transit by default; end-to-end encryption is optional and turns off some features.

What data does Zoom collect?

Account details, meeting metadata and, if enabled, recordings and transcripts.

Is Zoom safe for kids?

Use school accounts and keep waiting rooms on.

Does a VPN make Zoom safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Zoom. It does not stop Zoom itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources