Parents, teachers ask state to ‘Zoom’ in on online app woes

Parents and teachers allege that they were facing many issues with their mobile phones after downloading Zoom video app for online studies. Many private schools in the state insisted on the use of the app despite warning from the Home Ministry that it was not safe. The state is likely to issue an advisory to the institutions in this regard.

Teachers are slowly withdrawing from taking classes through Zoom app as it slows down the Android. They also fear that their phones might be hacked. Even software experts point out that the app is vulnerable to cyber-attacks, including leakage of information.

“My mobile operations had slowed down soon after the app was downloaded for my son to pursue online study,” M Radhakrishnan, working in a private firm and a father of Class 10 student from Anakaputhur told DT Next. However, he claimed normalcy after uninstalling of the app.

Echoing similar views, S Varalakshmi, a housewife, claimed that her daughter, who is studying in Class 11, complained of unwanted pop ups during online video classes which interrupt the study.

“Though we have taken the issue with the school management, they still insist to continue online classes through the same app,” she said adding “we need clarity on the issue.”

With country’s premier cyber security agency – Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-in) has already warned about the usage of Zoom app, it is better to adopt fresh safety guidelines from the Centre, said L Thiyagu, working in an IT firm that develops apps for mobile. He fears access by third parties of personal information.

V Yogalakshmi, a private school teacher in Pammal, said she stopped teaching online as her mobile had sensitive school-related and other Educational Management Information System (EMIS) details about students. “It has to be saved,” she added.

Tamil Nadu Teachers Association PK Ilamaran also said, “The app should not be used as per the warning issued by Centre. The state should come out with a circular with regard to the usage of the app.”

A senior official from the School Education Department said that the state took Centre’s view seriously on the Zoom app. “We have asked feedback from the schools and teachers and accordingly a state-level advisory will be issued soon,” he added.