MC1041451 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android: New location sharing settings for emergency calls and more (archived)

Product:

Teams, Windows

Platform:

Android, iOS, Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android is updating location sharing settings to enhance privacy and security. Users will have new options to consent to location access for emergency calls and other features. Rollout starts in June 2025. Fully managed devices are exempt from new consent prompts. Admins should educate users on these changes.

Details:
Updated June 3, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
This message applies to Microsoft Teams for iOS/Android.
Microsoft is updating its policies regarding the sharing of user location data to enhance privacy, improve data security, and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards. To enhance transparency and user control, Teams will introduce a new location consent experience that gives users the choice of when and how Teams can use their location data [specifically, the SSID (service set identifier) and the BSSID (basic service set identifier)].
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out early June 2025 (previously mid-May) and expect to complete by late May (previously early May).
General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 (previously early May) and expect to complete by mid-June 2025 (previously early June).

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:

Created:
2025-03-26

updated:
2025-06-04

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Emergency Calling Functionality
If users do not consent to location access, emergency calling features may not function correctly, potentially putting users' safety at risk.
   - roles: End Users, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/configure-dynamic-emergency-calling, https://support.microsoft.com/windows/windows-location-service-and-privacy-3a8eee0a-5b0b-dc07-eede-2a5ca1c49088

Call Quality Dashboard Metrics
Disallowing location access will impact the metrics available in the Call Quality Dashboard, hindering troubleshooting and performance analysis.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/cqd-what-is-call-quality-dashboard, https://support.microsoft.com/office/manage-location-sharing-in-microsoft-teams-583dd649-87fc-4b23-aed6-f4e2279297f9

User Experience and Consent Management
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the new consent prompts, leading to potential non-compliance with location sharing policies.
   - roles: End Users, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/MicrosoftTeams/manage-emergency-calling-policies, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/privacy/user-location-data

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is updating its location sharing settings on iOS and Android devices to give users more control over their privacy and security. Think of this change like updating the locks on your house. Previously, the lock was a simple one, but now you have the option to choose between different types of locks depending on how secure you want your house to be. In this case, the "house" is your location data, and the "locks" are the new settings that allow you to decide when and how your location is shared.

When the update rolls out, users will be prompted to decide if they want to share their location only for emergency calls or for additional features like troubleshooting and network matching. This is similar to deciding if you want to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor for emergencies or if you want to allow them to enter your house for other reasons, like watering your plants while you're away.

For fully managed devices, these new prompts won't appear because the organization has already set the rules, much like a landlord who controls the security settings for an entire apartment building. For other users, this change will require a bit of education to understand the implications of their choices. Just as you might need to explain to a family member why you chose a particular lock, users need to be informed about how their location settings can affect features like emergency calling and call quality monitoring.

Admins are encouraged to communicate these changes to users, ensuring they understand the importance of keeping location services on for emergency calls. It's like making sure everyone in the household knows how to use the new lock system in case of an emergency. This update aims to balance user privacy with the need for certain features to function correctly, much like finding the right balance between security and convenience in your home.