Zoom Bombers

[aebttny]

I participate in  a number of 12 step programs that meet via Zoom.  The entry information is public, because we want to attract the public.

Zoom bombers are a huge problem.  They come in, make loud noises, insult our speakers, and show disgusting images.  

We do all the security stuff: enabling the waiting room, turning off renaming, removing and reporting -- but the constant need to have security taxes our resources.  Also, some days there might be a less experienced host who lets something slip for a while. 

Our members are frequently traumatized by these creeps, and sometimes are afraid to come back.

People come to 12 step programs because they are in the grips of life threatening addiction.  If they don't come back, they may die.  These Zoom bombers are really murderers.  This is not just a prank.  It's serious.

I feel that the response of Zoom to this problem is totally inadequate.  Blaming the victims -- because allegedly our security is insufficient, or something, when we're trying the best we can -- is not the solution.

I feel it's time to get law enforcement involved.  These people should be in jail. They don't just need to have their accounts terminated.  They need to be tracked down, identified, and prosecuted.

We do notice that incidents increase during college vacation times. Obviously, a lot of these people are college students.  Colleges and Universities need to be notified that this is happening, so that they can do sensitivity education.

I feel Zoom has a responsibility to keep us informed about what they're doing to prosecute these people -- and to really go after them much more forcefully.

[storyhub]

Our Church does a similar program, only it is secured by invitation only. Publishing the meeting ID and passcode publicly is never a good idea. Zoom events and onZoom are specially designed to publicly publish meetings without publishing the meeting ID. You may want to have another communication means for participants to gain access, such as phone calling or preregistration were they can gain confidence and trust that privacy is respected. This is a very sensitive issue you are managing and participants need to have a high level of trust.

[aebttny]

Nope.  That would keep out a lot of newcomers.  We want people to stop in casually. 

For my church, we do the same thing.  You have to come in person to get the Zoom link, but we're not as eager to get newcomers there.