The FTC settled with Zoom for deceiving users about its encryption security and unfairly installing software that bypassed browser safeguards. Zoom must implement a comprehensive security program, undergo biennial audits, and is banned from making false security claims. No monetary penalty was imposed.
Zoom must establish and implement a comprehensive information security program with annual risk assessments, vulnerability management, multi-factor authentication, and data deletion controls. It is prohibited from making misrepresentations about privacy and security. The company must undergo biennial third-party security audits and notify the FTC of any data breaches.
In-house legal teams should review vendor, customer, and data processing agreements for clauses related to security representations, encryption standards, and software installation. Specifically, examine any warranties or descriptions of security features (e.g., 'end-to-end encryption'), terms governing the installation of additional software or plugins, and provisions requiring compliance with specific security programs or audits. Given the FTC's findings, agreements may need amendments to ensure all security claims are accurate and non-misleading, incorporate requirements for a comprehensive security program akin to Zoom's mandated program, and include explicit user consent mechanisms for any software that interacts with or bypasses browser safeguards. Additionally, audit rights and reporting obligations should be strengthened to align with the biennial audit requirement.
Entity
Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
Also known as: Zoom
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/11/ftc-requires-zoom-enhance-its-security-practices-part-settlement
1923167zoomacco2
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1923167zoomacco2.pdf
1923167zoomcomplaint
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/1923167zoomcomplaint.pdf
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"Zoom Video Communications, Inc."
"FTC Act"
"misled users by touting that it offered “end-to-end, 256-bit encryption”"
"secretly installed software, called a ZoomOpener web server"
The FTC finalized a settlement with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. for misleading consumers about its data security practices and compromising user security. The settlement requires Zoom to implement a comprehensive security program, review software updates for security flaws, and undergo biennial third-party assessments.
The FTC, Utah, and Nevada sued Lens.com Inc., alleging that it advertised artificially low contact lens prices while hiding mandatory checkout charges and misleading consumers about its AutoRefill subscription. The complaint seeks to stop the alleged practices; the court has not yet decided the case, and no penalty or remedy has been imposed.
The FTC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on whether ad-optimization tools offered by online platforms may help scammers impersonate businesses and government agencies. This is a proposed regulatory inquiry, not an enforcement action against a named company; no penalty or remedy was imposed.
$2.5B
A federal court approved a revised order in the FTC's Amazon Prime case under which Amazon will accelerate and expand redress payments under the September 2025 $2.5 billion settlement, which resolved allegations that Amazon enrolled millions of consumers in Prime subscriptions without their consent and knowingly made cancellation difficult. More consumers now qualify for refunds, the maximum payment cap rises from $51 to $200, and all future payments will be distributed automatically starting October 1, 2026, with potential supplemental $149 payments by April 2027. Amazon has already issued more than $845 million in redress payments as of September 2026.
$225.0M
The FTC and the state of Washington filed a joint complaint and proposed stipulated order requiring Amway Corp. and two affiliates—World Wide Group, L.L.C. (WWG) and Leadership Team Development Inc. (LTD)—to pay a $225 million judgment, the largest monetary recovery ever obtained from an MLM in an FTC action, over allegations that they used deceptive earnings claims and unfair tactics to recruit Independent Business Owners. The complaint alleges the companies falsely promised substantial income and recruitment success, pressured IBOs to buy products they could not resell, and instructed IBOs to falsely report sales. Nearly all of the judgment will be used as redress for IBOs who lost money, and the proposed order imposes structural reforms including a 70% resale requirement, independent audits of sales records, and a ban on approved providers charging new IBOs for first-year training.
$100.0M
FleetCor Technologies Inc. (now Corpay Inc.) and its CEO Ronald Clarke agreed to pay $100 million to settle an FTC administrative action alleging the company charged small business customers hidden and unauthorized fees for fuel cards and misrepresented gas savings, fraud-control features, and fees. A federal district court granted the FTC summary judgment on all counts in 2023, and a federal appeals court upheld that judgment and the permanent injunction in 2026. The settlement funds will be used to provide redress to harmed business customers.