As reported by BBC News, plans to allow MPs to take part in some parliamentary business virtually have been approved by the body responsible for administration in the Commons. The House of Commons Commission said ministers will be quizzed via Zoom for the first time in the House’s 700-year history. This “unprecedented step” will “keep democracy going” during the coronavirus crisis, it said. MPs will have to approve the plan next week when they return on 21 April.
Each teleconference app has their little unique selling point, yet privacy may have been an afterthought, so it is strange to see the government to use Zoom in this way. Zoom have made some changes, albeit retrospective changes, which have come across to many as a little forced.
That being said, no doubt the government will not be advertising the meeting ID as seen before. As long as they have adhered to security precautions such as a waiting room, then this will effectively act similarly to a live TV broadcast.
Furthermore, starting tomorrow users will be able to customise which data centre regions their account will use for real-time meeting data in-transit which is useful. Account owners and admins will also be able to configure minimum meeting password requirements, bolstering security.