Microsoft is enhancing security for Microsoft Teams meetings with a new admin policy, “Manage external bots and their access to meetings.” The policy gives organizations more visibility and control over third-party or external bots that attempt to enter meetings. According to Microsoft, the policy identifies external bots and applies safeguards before they are admitted, shifting bot entry toward an intentional approval process.
Multiple outlets report that the policy directs detected external bots to the meeting lobby, where they require organizer approval before joining. The reports also say verified or registered bots are handled differently, with clearer identification for approved bots.
Microsoft is also beginning to retire an older meeting setting, “Require verification by participants (CAPTCHA),” which has been used to gate access. The new approach is presented as a more targeted way to limit unwanted bot participation, including potential privacy and security risks from unintended bot access.
Separately, one report notes that Microsoft is creating or supporting a program for developers to register their bots so only deliberate admissions are allowed. The changes are administered through the Teams Admin Center.
