Shared channels with external access

Last updated Oct 17, 2026 Policies Access & Sharing

AI summary

Shared channels let external users access your content without appearing as guests in your tenant, so they do not show in your guest lists. Check external members with the channel owners and remove those who no longer need access.

Severity: Medium External Access Generally available

What it detects

All Shared Channels that have external user access.

Why it matters

Shared channels let people from other organizations join a single channel with their own work account. They see the channel's conversations and files without being guests in your tenant, so they do not appear in your guest lists. Check each external member with the channel owners and remove those who no longer need access.

The rule

Every Channel where Membership Type equals 'shared' that has any Shared Channel External Member Relations

In Rencore Governance

Details

Applies to	Channel
Connector	Teams
Severity	Medium
Category	External Access
Recommended	No
Recommended automation	None
License type	Standard

Other policies that check Channel objects:

Shared channels without owners (Medium)

Frequently asked questions

What does the shared channels with external access policy detect?

All Shared Channels that have external user access.

Which objects does the shared channels with external access policy check?

The Shared channels with external access policy checks Channel objects from the Teams inventory and reports each one that matches its rule as a violation.

How severe is a violation of the shared channels with external access policy?

Violations of the Shared channels with external access policy have Medium severity. The policy is in the External Access category.

Which module includes the shared channels with external access policy?

The Shared channels with external access policy comes with the Teams connector in the Digital Workplace module of Rencore Governance, which every Plan includes.

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