What E2EE Really Means in Video Calls (and Why It’s Hard)

End-to-end encryption works only when encryption keys are created and stored on participants’ devices, never on a company’s server. A server may relay the stream, but it can’t open it, read it, or log it.

In video calls, though, E2EE is technically complex:

• high data volume,

• real-time processing,

• group calls,

• and shared screens.

That’s why many platforms either limit E2EE to 1:1 calls or offer it with major restrictions. And when your team handles confidential business plans, investor decks, legal documents, prototypes, or client data — those limitations can cost far more than inconvenience.

Popular Platforms and Their Real Encryption Levels

Zoom

Zoom offers E2EE, but:

• it must be turned on manually,

• many features break (recordings, transcripts, breakout rooms),

• servers still perform parts of the key exchange.

It’s better security, not strict cryptographic E2EE. Suitable for everyday syncs — not investor negotiations.

Google Meet

Google Meet does not provide traditional end-to-end encryption.

It uses “client-side encryption,” but keys are still partially managed by Google. Good for internal meetings, not sensitive data.

Microsoft Teams

Teams encrypts… selectively.

• E2EE applies only to 1:1 calls.

• Most meetings route through Microsoft’s infrastructure.

• Compliance models prioritize accessibility over anonymity.

Solid for enterprise workflows — weak for privacy-critical teams.

Signal

Signal delivers genuine E2EE, but:

• group video calling is limited,

• no collaboration tools,

• requires a phone number (no anonymity).

Excellent for personal calls; not optimized for startup workflows or consulting teams.

When E2EE Isn’t Enough (Real-World Scenarios)

This is where things get practical. Certain situations demand more than encryption — they require architecture designed to avoid any data retention or metadata exposure.

Small Remote Team Sync

A team of 5–10 discusses product plans, prototypes, design drafts, architecture, KPI dashboards.

A single leaked call can lead to:

• an idea stolen,

• an investor spooked,

• a competitor gaining insight.

You need a tool that stores zero history, data, or identity markers.

Startup-Investor Calls

Discussing runway, ARR, roadmap, valuation, or fundraising materials through a server-based platform exposes metadata like:

• who you talk to,

• when,

• how often.

Professional Consulting

Legal, financial, medical, or psychological consultations require privacy not as a preference, but as a duty.

Sharing Sensitive Materials

If your app stores anything on a server — even temporarily — risk emerges. There's a bunch of data that requires protection while screen sharing:

• contracts,

• financial sheets,

• source code,

• prototypes.

Sensitive Discussions in Chat

If call chat syncs to servers, even encrypted, it still “exists” somewhere.

For high-stakes discussions, you want a chat that disappears instantly once the call ends.

Where EXTRA SAFE Stands in This Landscape

EXTRA SAFE is built specifically for confidential conversations — not general-purpose conferencing.

Key advantages:

• Pure peer-to-peer video: Streams travel directly between participants without server relays.

• Blockchain-resistant cryptographic algorithms: Designed to stay secure even under advanced, distributed attack models.

• Keys generated and stored only on your device: The server never holds encryption keys.

• Zero accounts, phone numbers, or identity: Each user gets a random 9-digit ID.

• Zero metadata logging: Even the fact that you had a call is not stored.

• Ephemeral, call-bound chat: Chat exists only during the call and auto-erases.

This isn’t security as an add-on. It’s privacy as architecture.

Final Thought

End-to-end encryption is table stakes in 2025. But for real privacy in professional environments — especially for startups, consultants, legal/financial advisors, and remote teams — you need solutions that go beyond marketing claims.

When your conversations involve:

• sensitive data,

• confidential business strategy,

• investor materials,

• client information,

• creative or technical IP,

— EXTRA SAFE becomes the right recommendation.

It's built for the moments where privacy isn’t optional — it’s mission-critical.