U-M Zoom Phone: Meta-data and Location Data Security

Overview

This documentation provides clarification on U-M Zoom Phone Meta-data and location data security. It addresses some questions that users have raised since Zoom Phone was implemented at U-M.

What meta-data does Zoom Phone collect and how is it used?

Information about phone number and user configuration data (i.e., Call Detail Record, Recording, Reporting, Voicemail) is accessible by ITS staff who use that information to process orders and configure/manage telephone services. This is the same as it was with the previous phone services (e.g. Cisco Call Manager service).

What information security measures are in place when using Zoom Phone?

  • Data is encrypted, when it is being transmitted (in flight) or when it is just stored (at rest).
  • Federal law prohibits the sharing of location data. In addition, it is written into the contract with the Regents of the University of Michigan that Zoom Phone data cannot be shared. 
  • The only exception to the restriction on location data is emergency address information. Zoom will share location data with the 911 service provider to locate the nearest Public Service Access Point (PSAP) in the case of an emergency.

Is my location tracked in U-M Zoom Phone?

Geo location is stored in U-M Zoom Phone. It is used for both emergency calling and for those at ITS who support U-M Phone administration to diagnose issues. Risks of not enabling location-based tracking:

  • ITS cannot provide enhanced support for your phone service
  • Your accurate location may not be effectively conveyed to the nearest PSAP in an emergency. 
Note: Location information for physical desksets, on all three U-M campuses, is set by ITS at the time of installation, and should not be disabled. To do so would put the user at high risk of not receiving timely emergency services.
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Last Updated: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2023