Microsoft Teams Adds Policy to Block External Bots From Meetings
Summary
Microsoft is rolling out a Teams admin policy to block identified external bots from meetings. It is off by default, requires administrator activation, and is scheduled for general availability in late September.
Key points
- The new Teams meeting policy automatically blocks identified external bots from meetings governed by the policy.
- The setting is off by default and must be enabled by an administrator in the Teams admin center.
- Administrators can assign the policy to specific users or groups through existing Teams meeting policy management.
- The policy builds on a June update that tags detected bots in the lobby and requires organizer approval before they join.
- Microsoft says blocking bots can help reduce risks from third-party bots and malicious apps used in Teams-based attacks.
- The targeted rollout runs through August, with general availability planned for late September.
- Microsoft says it plans additional bot controls, including allow lists and audit logs.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Microsoft Teams meeting security policy rollout
- Impact
- The policy lets administrators automatically block identified external bots from Teams meetings, reducing the risk of unwanted or malicious bots joining. It is off by default and requires administrator activation.