411138 – Microsoft Teams: Block a user for your organization

Product:

Teams

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

MC888879

Details:

With the availability of the delete API (removeallaccessforuser API), it does not stop the malicious user from resending the message to the same victim. To help prevent that, a block user API will allow the admin to block the malicious user from reaching out again. To make this even more effective, we will utilize a similar feature as the allow/block list in federation to block the malicious user from the entire organization.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-08-13

updated:
2024-09-13

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

- Direct Impact on IT Operations
- Increased administrative workload for IT administrators
- Need for training on the new block user API and its implementation
- Potential for increased support tickets related to user blocking and unblocking
- Changes in user management processes
- Updates to existing user access policies and procedures
- Coordination with security teams to ensure compliance with data protection regulations

- Impact on IT Services
- Potential downtime or service interruptions during the implementation of the block user API
- Risk of affecting other Teams functionalities while the API is being integrated
- Dependencies on other Microsoft services (e.g., Azure Active Directory) that may be impacted during the change
- Changes in user experience for Teams users
- Users may experience delays in communication if blocked users are not immediately removed from contact lists
- Possible confusion among users regarding the new blocking feature and its implications

- Impact on IT Users
- Enhanced security for end-users
- Users will have a safer environment as malicious users can be blocked organization-wide
- Increased trust in the platform, leading to higher user satisfaction
- Potential for user frustration
- Users may inadvertently block legitimate contacts if not properly trained on the new feature
- Misunderstandings about the blocking process could lead to communication breakdowns

Roles Most Impacted:
- IT Administrators
- Security Teams
- End Users (Employees using Microsoft Teams)

References:
- Microsoft Teams Documentation: [Block a user for your organization](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/block-a-user)
- Microsoft 365 Compliance Center: [Managing user access](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/compliance/manage-user-access)

Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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