7 ms·
Since the Zoom TOS explicitly forbid reverse engineering, sadly it isn't so easy.
by yconfiscator 6y ago
Since the Zoom TOS explicitly forbid reverse engineering, sadly it isn't so easy.
- user5994461 6y agoTOS can't substitute to the law. Reverse engineering is legal by law depending on the jurisdiction.
- codezero 6y agoBut if you’re using Zoom for work, they can still ban your account and/or company.
- LargoLasskhyfv 6y agoThen use Jitsi, or something.
- codezero 6y agoSure, but if your 1000 person company uses Zoom and Zoom only bans your account I don’t think you can convince a company to switch clients. That said I find that specific scenario unlikely.
- user5994461 6y agoIt's no problem. The company can contact zoom support and get your account unlocked.
- R0b0t1 6y agoRandom companies can't make new law. If you violate their TOS the most they can do is refuse you service.
- dependenttypes 6y agoOr sue you, which is likely with shady companies such as Zoom.
- folkhack 6y agoNo idea why you're being downvoted but this is 100% factually correct in the US: you'll get sued by a company that has a very salaried legal team. Even if Zoom is in the wrong/has no case, all it takes to "win" in the US is enough of a bankroll to troll someone via the legal system. It's pay-to-play here and Zoom likely has the budget to run an independent researcher into the ground financially with legal defense fees alone. I get that HN wants to have it's "hacker" ideals and all, but, I would expect to cause myself legal troubles for publishing security details on such a service (unless done anonymously with reasonable opsec).
- yconfiscator 6y agoThank you I can't believe this had to be said explicitly.
- sgrove 6y agoI might misunderstand the fundamental point, but zoom doesn’t seem to be making new laws. Existing contract law is perfectly capable of handling two adults agreeing to a mutually beneficial set of restrictions. Lots of things that are legal we’ll be restricted in contract agreements - free speech is a fundamental right, but mutual non-disclosure agreements still exist and can result in (civil) legal action if reneged on to one party’s detriment.
- matheusmoreira 6y agoWhat's the point of giving people rights when companies can just force you to relinquish them via contracts? That obviously leads to these "you can't exercise your rights" clauses becoming standard in every contract. People should be able to do things that hurt a company's business interests, especially reverse engineering. They do not deserve any protection. Actually, it should be encouraged since it leads to better products for consumers.
- krageon 6y agoToS aren't important if they're not enforceable, which is the case with a prohibition on reverse engineering. That said, if I published something like this I'd do it under a pseudonym under a domain and a vps that I paid for using an untraceable currency. Companies are evil and even if you'll eventually win, they'll make your life miserable. Why take the chance?