Here are the data export options:Įxport data (messages and links to files)Īlthough employers can export their data, they still have to comply with the law. Slack gives employers the option to export their data based on the plan they purchase. Ultimately, your boss can obtain your private messages, but they’ll need to go through a process to get this data. However, to adhere to GDPR rules, they now allow all business owners to export private conversations. To summarize, before 2018 employers used to solely have the ability to download information from public/shared channels. Of course, they must comply with the law before downloading any private data from their employees.
Slack allows employers to download and export Slack conversations, whether they’re public or private, into zip files. Reading Your Private MessagesĬan your boss read your Slack direct messages? In brief, yes, but they can’t actively read your messages as you send them. Your boss cannot easily access your private messages and isn’t reading your messages in real time. Other members in your organization will not be able to see your direct messages to coworkers. Overall, private and public channels are typically seen by anyone, including your boss.ĭirect messages (also known as “DMs”) are private messages among members. Channels are public by default, but members tend to set their channels to private if they’re better suited for a smaller audience or in cases where other workers don’t need to see their conversations. As a rule, channels can either be set up as private or public however, it’s up to the channel creator to decide its security settings. The channel gives these members easy access to speak with one another, share documents, and more. There are two chat options in Slack: Channels and Direct Messages.Ĭhannels are typically shared among many group members, such as a marketing or sales team. How Private are Your Messages?īefore understanding your privacy, you must understand what types of messages are in the Slack platform. Can someone read your private channels? Will your supervisors read your direct messages? Can someone access your data? Let’s find out. If you use Slack to direct message many of your coworkers daily, you may wonder how private your messages really are. Some argue that Slack is more of a distraction than a tool conducive to one’s productivity due to the fact that people may use it to idly chat all day however, many employers still utilize this system to collaborate with their workers. With the choice of public “channels” and private messaging, people have the freedom to speak publicly or work one-on-one with their coworkers easily. It’s a great platform to communicate and collaborate through instant messaging and video conferencing, which many remote teams enjoy as a new mode of communication. Slack is a popular communication platform used by many remote workers.