Jitsi, an open-source, privacy-friendly web-conferencing tool

Description: Jitsi is an open-source web-conferencing tool that allows users to hold virtual meetings and conferences. Users can start a call through a web browser or by downloading the Jitsi Meet mobile app by just generating a unique meeting link or room name, and then sharing it with participants. Once in the meeting, participants can engage in video and audio communication, share their screens, chat with other participants, and stream and record meetings. Another useful feature is the possibility of raising the hand to indicate the willingness to speak. Jitsi is free and open-source, meaning its source code is freely available for modification and distribution. Jitsi does not require signing up or having an account to join a meeting as a participant. However, users can create an account to access additional features, such as hosting meetings with more participants or securing meetings with passwords. Jitsi is developed by 8x8.

Evaluation: Jitsi is a valuable and easy-to-use web-conferencing tool, especially suitable for users with strong privacy concerns. Due to its extremely easy setup, it is fitting for those who create a meeting on the spot. Overall, it is an excellent alternative to other more well-known videoconferencing tools such as Zoom or Skype. A disadvantage is that a virtual room can be accessed by entering its name, so users might want to assign them long or slightly complicated names to avoid random users joining, which is the downside of Jitsi not requiring registration.

Cost: Free.

Respect for privacy Privacy evaluations indicate how a tool handles personal data collection, storage, and sharing, including GDPR compliance and security measures, among others. The ICT-REV team provides them for informational purposes, reflecting our best understanding at the time of review, but assumes no legal responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these evaluations and encourages users to conduct their own assessments: Very high. 8x8, which operates Jitsi, does not ask for or retain any personal data. When it collects data, it uses it to identify and troubleshoot problems and to improve the service. Therefore, Jitsi is one of the most privacy-friendly videoconferencing tools. Its privacy section is written in a straightforward, informative way. Jitsi has an entire website elaborating on the complexities of its security measures, more so given that it is an open-source platform. Jitsi does not mention compliance with the GDPR. See more here.

Type Of Interaction: Group/pair work - classmates, Whole class,

Content: Website/other users supply, You supply,

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