Google is updating its video conferencing platform, Google Meet, by allowing users without Google accounts to join calls with client-side encryption (CSE).
Client-side encryption adds an extra layer of protection to Google Meet calls. Essentially, meeting data (video, audio, and chat) is scrambled on the user’s device before being sent to others. Only meeting participants have the ‘key’ to decrypt this information, ensuring that even Google cannot access the contents of the call.
“Meet already encrypts all of your data at rest and in transit between our facilities — client-side encryption gives users direct control of their encryption keys and the identity service that they choose to authenticate for those keys,” reads Google’s announcement.
“Adding support for external participants means customers can collaborate with any of their stakeholders safe in the knowledge that only the meeting participants can decrypt the call media.”
To activate the feature, admins have to update their IdP/KACLS configurations to open up access to external participants and determine third-party identity providers that can be used to join the meeting.
Google Meet’s client-side encryption for non-Google users is currently available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers.
