Zoom’s New AI Tool Spurs Criticism From Privacy Rights Groups

Activists are warning that a new feature from Zoom Video Communications Inc. analyzing emotion and engagement could introduce bias and risk violating personal privacy.

The maker of the ubiquitous video-conference technology last month announced Zoom IQ -- a post-call analysis of speaker sentiment powered by artificial intelligence. Designed for salespeople, the tool provides metrics like engagement or patience in an effort to improve future communication and deal-making.

More than 25 organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, asked the company Wednesday to abandon the feature. In a letter to Chief Executive Officer Eric Yuan, ...