Zoom is rolling out a new way to make your online video meetings safer than ever. Here’s what changed, how the feature works, and why it matters for your safety.
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What Happened?
The feature checks if someone in a meeting is a real person or an AI impostor.
To do this, Zoom partnered with World, an identity company (formerly called Worldcoin) that uses iris-scanning technology — a way to confirm who you are by scanning your eye.
Zoom says the goal is to help users feel more confident about who they’re speaking with and make it easier to know the person on the call is real.
How the New Feature Works
Zoom uses a simple check to confirm that the person in a meeting is real.
Here’s how it works:
- First, the person confirms who they are
- Then, during a meeting, Zoom compares a few things:
- a saved image from that earlier check
- a live scan from their device
- and what others see on the video call
If all of these match, Zoom shows a “Verified Human” badge next to a person’s name.
Meeting hosts can require this check before someone joins. That means unverified users may not be allowed into the meeting at all.
But there’s also an option to run a check during the call if something feels off.
In simple words, it’s a way to make sure the person on the screen is the same real person who signed in.
Why Zoom Is Adding This Feature Now
AI is changing how people communicate — and not always in a good way.
Scammers can now:
- Copy someone’s voice
- Create fake video calls
- Pretend to be a boss, coworker, or family member
This makes scams more convincing than ever.
Experts warn that AI-driven fraud is rising quickly and could keep growing in the next few years. Some estimates suggest losses could reach $40 billion annually by 2027 as these tools become more widely used.
However, this doesn’t mean you should stop using video calls. It just means you need to be more careful.
That’s why Zoom is trying to stay ahead by adding a way to confirm who is actually on the call.
5 Tips to Stay Safe on Video Calls
Even with new tools, your habits still matter:
- Be careful if someone asks for money or personal information
For example, if a caller says they need you to “confirm your account” or send money right away, stop. Real companies don’t ask for sensitive details on a video call.
- If something feels off, end the call and check another way
If the person looks or sounds unusual, or the request doesn’t make sense, hang up. Take a moment before doing anything.
- Call the person back using a number you already trust
Use a saved contact or a number from the company’s official website. Don’t rely on the contact details given during the call.
- Don’t click links shared in the meeting chat
If someone sends a link during a call, including on Zoom, don’t open it right away. It could lead to a fake website. Open a new tab and go to the official site yourself instead.
- Don’t act quickly just because someone sounds urgent
Scammers often say things like “this is urgent” or “you must act now.” Slow down and think before you respond.
If someone tricks you on a call, they often try to get into your accounts next. If you haven’t checked your account security recently, now is a good time.
With Futureproof, you can check if your data was leaked and get simple steps to protect your accounts.
New Technology Can Help — But Staying Alert Is Still Your Best Protection
AI is making it easier than ever to fake voices, faces, and identities.
That means even a normal-looking video call may not be what it seems.
New features like Zoom’s verification can help. But your awareness still matters most. Take a moment, ask questions, and don’t rush into decisions — especially if someone asks for money or personal information.
Because today, the biggest problem isn’t just fake messages — it’s people who aren’t real.
At Futureproof, Kevin explains digital safety in simple words, with clear tips and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
