Freie Universität’s Use of the Communication Tool Webex
The criticism voiced by Berlin’s Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit) concerning the use of the Webex video conferencing software at Freie Universität Berlin was previously reported in a number of media outlets. We want to take this opportunity to document and respond to questions on our communication with the commissioner, on privacy and data protection, and on developments and changes regarding usage of this software. This page will be continuously updated.
Last Updated October 2023
Yes, we are! In October 2023, Berlin’s Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit) informed us that they will be closing the investigation on using Cisco Webex at Freie Universität Berlin. The commissioner stated that Freie Universität has now addressed and fixed all previous concerns and issues regarding the software’s privacy and technical shortcomings.
Among other changes, details in Freie Universität’s contract with Cisco regarding data processing were amended to explicitly prevent ownership of any personal user data passing to Cisco. This was changed based on the commissioner’s recommendation. Cisco has also made amendments to the software in line with data privacy requirements in cooperation with Freie Universität. For example, Cisco has transferred all current and future stored data on European clients to servers located within the European Union. Additionally, and on the express request of Freie Universität, Cisco has moved its global lookup service to the EU for European clients.
The commissioner joined experts at Freie Universität in person for a demonstration of how data are moved to and from a device used for video conferencing. There was no evidence of users’ personal data being made available to any businesses not approved for data processing.