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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Otter AI secretly recording private conversations on Zoom, GMeet, Microsoft Zoom and other platforms; claims lawsuit
Image credit: A lawsuit filed in the US has alleged that AI-powered transcription and note-taking tool, , has been "deceptively and surreptitiously" recording private conversations from platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. The class-action suit claims the company uses these recordings to train its popular transcription service, Otter Notebook , without getting permission from the participants. The lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that the AI tool does not obtain consent from meeting attendees to record the same. It even fails to notify them that these recordings are being shared with Otter, the lawsuit highlights. The lawsuit accuses the company of doing this to "derive financial gain,' a practice that allegedly violates state and federal privacy laws. It seeks to represent other users in California whose conversations were unknowingly shared with Otter. 'In fact, if the meeting host is an Otter accountholder who has integrated their relevant Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams accounts with Otter, an Otter Notetaker may join the meeting without obtaining the affirmative consent from any meeting participant, including the host. What Otter has done is use its Otter Notetaker meeting assistant to record, transcribe, and utilize the contents of conversations without the Class members' informed consent,' the lawsuit noted. According to a report by NPR, Otter's privacy policy openly states that it trains its AI using meeting transcripts, but only after users give 'explicit permission' by checking a box that allows Otter and third parties to process private conversations 'for training and product improvement purposes.' However, the lawsuit argues that many users are still misled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo In recent months, Otter has faced renewed privacy concerns as its use in workplaces continues to grow. The company says around 25 million people now rely on its AI transcription tools, which have processed over 1 billion meetings since its launch in 2016. What users said about Otter secretly recording work meetings The plaintiff, Justin Brewer, who is a resident of San Jacinto, claims that his privacy was 'seriously violated' after discovering that Otter had recorded a confidential conversation without his knowledge. Other Users have shared negative experiences on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit regarding Otter's automated recording features. In one reported case from last year, an AI researcher and engineer alleged that Otter had recorded a Zoom meeting with investors. The user also claimed that the AI tool later sent him a transcript containing 'sensitive, confidential details' of a discussion that took place after he had left the call. According to him, those disclosures contributed to a failed business deal. Similarly, another user complained about using Otter to interview a Uyghur human rights activist and later learning that the company shares user data with third parties. This raised concerns that governments, including China's, may try to access transcripts of conversations with dissidents. Otter has stated it does not share data with foreign governments or law enforcement agencies. On Reddit, other users have reported that Otter sometimes joins meetings automatically when linked to workplace calendars, recording conversations without explicit consent. The lawsuit highlights this issue, noting that while Otter typically asks a meeting host for permission to record when an account holder joins, it does not automatically seek approval from all participants. However, Otter claimed that it anonymises meeting audio before using it to train AI, but the lawsuit challenges this claim, citing a lack of public details on the process. 'Upon information and belief, Otter's deidentification process does not remove confidential information or guarantee speaker anonymity,' the lawsuit further argued. Nvidia H20 Chips for China: What's Really Going On? AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
WhatsApp borrows a page from Google Meet and Microsoft Teams with new call scheduling feature
WhatsApp is taking a fresh swing at Google Meet and Microsoft Teams with the launch of a new call scheduling feature and other capabilities designed to make group and personal video calls more seamless and efficient. The 'Schedule Call' feature will allow a user to plan a call, in person who has been invited for the call will receive a notification before it is supposed to kick off. This is similar to pre-scheduled meetings on other platforms. This will allow users to set-up meetings and not have the risk of forgetting any important will be able to view their upcoming calls and the list of attendees via the Calls tab. WhatsApp has also added a feature to react or raise hand during the calls. This is a global WhatsApp update meaning that it will be rolled out globally for all users. The features show that the platform is trying to directly pitch itself as a professional meeting a press note, the company said, 'We're launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings.' WhatsApp affirmed that all calls will remain end-to-end attendees will be able to invite others to a call via a sharing link. When someone uses the shared link, the one who scheduled the call will receive a notification. WhatsApp's latest beta helps you write messagesThe Meta-owned platform has a lot in the pipeline. Last week, the app unveiled Writing Help, an AI-powered feature, that helps users write messages. Not only will it fix grammar mistakes but even change the tone of a text before sending it to someone. This feature uses Meta's Private Processing technology. Users will need to click on a pen icon on the keyboard which would fetch them suggestions to enhance the message. Once selected, the updated text can be sent. However, the receiver will not be notified that the message had been modified by the AI tool. This can help users who want to make their messages seem more professional or check the grammar of any text without having to fiddle with external apps or Writing Help tool is currently only available for Beta testers. WhatsApp claims that this feature would be entirely optional. - Ends
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
WhatsApp rolls out schedule calls, raise hand reaction features: What's new
Meta-owned instant messaging platform WhatsApp has released three new features to bridge the gap between personal calls and video call meetings. Now, WhatsApp users will be able to schedule calls in advance, interact during calls by raising hands or reacting, and get an improved call management feature. This is a global update and has started rolling out gradually. However, due to the gradual rollout, it is possible that it may take some time for WhatsApp users to get access to these features. Calling on WhatsApp: What is new Scheduled calls: Users can now pre-plan group calls, inviting individuals or entire groups, and all participants will receive a notification when the call is about to begin. New in-call interaction tools: WhatsApp has added new in-call reactions, including a commonly used "raise a hand" to speak and send other emojis as reactions without interrupting the conversation. Improved call management: The Calls tab has been updated to provide a clear view of upcoming calls, with attendee lists and shareable call links. Call creators will also now receive notifications when someone joins their call via a shared link. With features like these in place, it appears that the instant messaging platform is gearing up to compete with video communication platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more. So far, WhatsApp was well-suited for personal and group calls. After this update, it can be used for holding virtual meetings and even online classes. Notably, WhatsApp allows up to 32 users to be connected on a video call at once. In other news, WhatsApp has begun experimenting with an AI-based Writing Help Assistant that lets users polish their messages before sending. WABetaInfo reported that the tool, now available to some Android testers through the 2.25.23.7 beta release, is built to enhance grammar, structure, and tone while ensuring chats remain private and encrypted.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
WhatsApp unveils new ‘Schedule Calls' feature for group and individual users
WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that lets users schedule calls in advance on the popular instant messaging platform. The new 'Schedule Calls' feature will be applicable to both group and one-on-one conversations. All those who have been added to a scheduled group WhatsApp call will receive a notification when the call is about to begin. The new feature will gradually become available to all users globally, as per the Meta-owned company. 'We're launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings,' WhatsApp said in a press note on Monday, August 18. Note, scheduled calls on WhatsApp will also be end-to-end encrypted. The latest update possibly addresses a long-standing request from users for scheduling options on WhatsApp. It also positions the app to compete more directly with other video-teleconferencing platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. Users will also now be able to raise their hand or react with an emoji when on a WhatsApp call, as per the company. WhatsApp further said it has made UI changes to make it easier for users to manage calls. For instance, users will now be able to visit the Calls tab and see upcoming WhatsApp calls with a list of attendees as well as an option to share a link to join the call. Users who schedule WhatsApp calls in advance, will receive notifications when someone joins their call via a shared link.
The Star
3 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Empowering rural science educators
Malaysia's passion to improve science education shines brightly. However, the real challenge is supporting our rural educators, who bring that knowledge to the most isolated areas. These teachers often work alone and encounter many obstacles. They lack regular chances for professional development, specialised training, and discussions with peers. Many of these rural science educators are recent graduates sent far from the comforts of urban areas but have the difficult responsibility of teaching a challenging curriculum without organised mentorship or peer assistance. Such isolation, regrettably, hampers not only their own growth but likewise the instruction they provide to their pupils. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), which embody a collective commitment to continual improvement and shared accountability, are the most effective solution in this situation. In contrast to traditional, short-lived training sessions, PLCs are the collaborative effort of teachers committed to working in a team to improve the quality of teaching and learning. For rural science teachers, these communities are not mere conveniences but essential. Teaching science requires not only knowledge but also the use of creative and practical methods that work best when people collaborate. Despite being geographically separated, a science-focused PLC gives solo educators the opportunity to interact with their peers, exchange ideas, and develop their craft. These PLCs, however, need to be carefully tailored to the demands of rural life. A flexible paradigm that combines occasional in-person meetings with virtual gatherings using easily accessible platforms like Google Meet or WhatsApp is required due to time constraints, a lack of dependable connectivity, and resource limitations. For PLCs to be effective, school leadership support is equally significant. These communities run the risk of becoming mere add-ons rather than vital components of working life if specific time is not allocated throughout the school day. Furthermore, the emphasis on subject-specific PLCs ensures that discourse remains germane and practical, addressing the distinct needs of science educators. These communities work better when experienced teachers act as peer mentors. They promote a culture of shared learning instead of a top-down approach, and helps keep teachers in their jobs. Through deliberate planning and effective execution, routine teaching can be elevated into a thoughtful as well as impactful practice, transforming isolation into a shared sense of community. Malaysia must embrace and invest in such supportive institutions for its rural teachers if it hopes to provide science education that is both equitable and of high quality for everyone. As the saying goes, 'A rising tide lifts all boats.' No classroom, no matter how far away, will be left adrift if we foster collaboration among educators. LAVINIA MANIMARAN and DR MOHD MOKHZANI IBRAHIM Faculty of Science and Mathematics Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
