How the privacy and security of the video chatting apps compare

With the majority of the country now spending their free time indoors, people are discovering new ways to socialise with friends and family. That’s where video chatting apps like Zoom and Houseparty come in handy - but how do they compare and are they safe to use? Zoom is a free video chatting app that has gained popularity in recent weeks, as demand for online social networking increases. During any meetings, administrators can see details like the operating system, IP address and location data of each of the participants. There’s also the issue of ‘Zoombombing’, a term that refers to random people crashing various Zoom chats. When you're in a ‘room’ with your friends, you can play various games with up to eight people, such as Heads Up, Trivia and Quick Draw. According to Forbes, Houseparty has no obvious flaws or security problems after having cybersecurity and privacy researcher Luka Stefanko take a look at the app. Houseparty has denied all claims of hacked accounts, assuring their users that the app is safe. Houseparty said: “We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumours were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty.” The video chatting app is now offering a ,000,000 bounty for anyone who can provide real proof of such a campaign – for anyone who thinks they do, they should email bounty@houseparty.com. Gallery - Shadow drawing to Scavenger hunt: Try these homeschooling ideas (Birmingham Mail)