M365 Archive
Back to latest version
You're viewing a historical snapshot from Apr 1, 2026. This is not the latest version.

Metadata at Apr 1, 2026

Message ID

MC1217997

View in Message Center

Last Updated

Apr 1, 2026

Published Jan 14, 2026

Service

Microsoft Teams

Tag

Updated message
New feature
User impact

Roadmap ID

542795

View roadmap details

Platforms

Desktop
View the latest version See what changed since this version

MC1217997 - Microsoft Teams: Automatic removal of EXIF data from shared images

Message Center

What changed since this version

removed textadded text

Updated April 1,May 18, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

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 mid-AprilJune 2026 (previously early March)mid-April).
  • GCC High: Rollout begins in late February 2026 and completes by mid-AprilJune 2026 (previously mid-March 2026.April).
  • DoD: Rollout begins in early March 2026 and completes by mid-AprilJune 2026 (previously late March 2026.mid-April).

How this affects your organization:

  • Who is affected: All users sharing images in Microsoft Teams chats and channels.
  • What will happen:
    • EXIF metadata (e.g., GPS location, camera model, manufacturer info) will be automatically removed from images shared in Teams conversations.
    • The visible image content remains unchanged.
    • No admin action is required; this feature is enabled by default.
    • If users need to retain EXIF data, they can upload images to OneDrive and share a link via Teams.

What you can do to prepare:

  • Inform end users, security, and compliance stakeholders that EXIF data will no longer be available in Teams-shared images.
  • Update internal documentation or training that references sharing metadata via images.
  • Review workflows, diagnostics, or integrations that rely on EXIF data and plan alternatives.

Compliance considerations:

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

Snapshot from Apr 1, 2026

Updated April 1, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

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 mid-April 2026 (previously early March).
  • GCC High: Rollout begins in late February 2026 and completes by mid-April 2026 (previously mid-March 2026.
  • DoD: Rollout begins in early March 2026 and completes by mid-April 2026 (previously late March 2026.

How this affects your organization:

  • Who is affected: All users sharing images in Microsoft Teams chats and channels.
  • What will happen:
    • EXIF metadata (e.g., GPS location, camera model, manufacturer info) will be automatically removed from images shared in Teams conversations.
    • The visible image content remains unchanged.
    • No admin action is required; this feature is enabled by default.
    • If users need to retain EXIF data, they can upload images to OneDrive and share a link via Teams.

What you can do to prepare:

  • Inform end users, security, and compliance stakeholders that EXIF data will no longer be available in Teams-shared images.
  • Update internal documentation or training that references sharing metadata via images.
  • Review workflows, diagnostics, or integrations that rely on EXIF data and plan alternatives.

Compliance considerations:

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.