check before: 2026-01-31
Product:
OneDrive, Teams, Windows
Platform:
Mac, Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Feature Rollout Status Not Supported
Change type:
New feature, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Teams will automatically remove EXIF metadata from images shared in chats and channels starting early 2026, enhancing privacy by hiding location and device info. The image itself remains unchanged, no admin action is needed, and users can share EXIF data via OneDrive links if required.
Details:
[Introduction]
Microsoft Teams will soon automatically remove hidden metadata (EXIF) from images shared in chats and channels. This helps protect sensitive details such as photo location and device information from being shared without user awareness, improving privacy and security.
This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop, Teams for Mac desktop, and Teams for the web and is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 542795.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout begins in late January 2026 and completes by early February 2026.
Worldwide and GCC: Rollout begins in mid-February 2026 and completes by early March 2026.
GCC High: Rollout begins in late February 2026 and completes by mid-March 2026.
DoD: Rollout begins in early March 2026 and completes by late March 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-15
updated:
2026-01-15
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
Starting in early 2026, Microsoft Teams will automatically remove EXIF metadata from images shared in chats and channels to enhance privacy, with no action required from users or administrators, though original metadata can still be shared via OneDrive links.
Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of EXIF Data
Users will no longer have access to EXIF metadata (e.g., GPS location, camera model) from images shared in Teams, potentially impacting workflows that rely on this data.
- roles: End Users, Compliance Officers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=542795
User Awareness and Training
End users may be unaware of the change, leading to confusion about the absence of EXIF data in shared images, necessitating updates to training materials.
- roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=542795
Workflow Disruption
Workflows, diagnostics, or integrations that depend on EXIF data may be disrupted, requiring users to find alternative methods for sharing this information.
- roles: IT Operations, End Users
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=542795
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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Potentional Risks**
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Data Protection**
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IT Security**
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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**
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DPIA Draft**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 3 weeks ago ago
