Who can view chat history in HipChat Server

This page provides details around who can view chat history and files in HipChat Server. 

Chat history, messages, and files

Chat messages are:

  • Stored in HipChat Server's virtual machine in the /chat_history directory
  • Viewable only by people you invite to HipChat Server (unless you've turned on guest access in rooms)
  • Accessible by your organization's administrators
  • Subject to the data security policies set by your organization

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Additionally, files shared in HipChat Server are:

  • Stored in HipChat Server's virtual machine in the /file_store directory
  • Accessible from obfuscated URLs on your network. These URLs are shared with people in the chat when the files are uploaded.
  • Visible to anyone on your network who has the files' URLs

Note: You can disable file sharing by logging in to the HipChat Server web UI. For example, log in to https://hipchat.fully-qualified-domain-name.com or https://IPv4. Then, go to Group admin > Features.

Chat history in rooms

Who can view chat history in rooms depends on whether the room is an open or private rooms and whether the room has guest access enabled.

Open rooms

Chat history, messages, and files in the open rooms are viewable by all people you've invited to your HipChat Server group. They can find the room and open it to view all the messages and files posted in the room.

Private rooms

Chat history, messages, and files are viewable only by the members of the private rooms and by your company's administrators.

Private rooms are rooms that people can join by invitation only. The room's owner invites people to the private room. Once they've been invited, people join the room and can view all the messages and files posted in the room.

Note: Your company's administrators can view the chat history and files in private rooms, but they can't join the rooms and chat without an invitation.

Rooms with guest access enabled

Room owners can enable guest access on rooms. This allows people who aren't members of your HipChat Server group to view chat messages and files in the room. 

Any room that has guest access enabled allows anyone who can access your Hipchat Server and has the guest access URL to join and view chat messages and files. They can only view messages and files posted from the time they join the room. They cannot view chat history that occurred before they joined the room.

Note: You can disable guest access by logging in to the HipChat Server web UI. For example, log in to https://hipchat.fully-qualified-domain-name.com or https://IPv4. Then, go to Group admin > Features.

Chat history in one-to-one chats

Chats and files shared in one-to-one chats can be viewed and searched by the two people in the chats. In addition, administrators can export one-to-one chat history.

Note: You can disable one-to-one chats by logging in to the HipChat Server web UI. For example, log in to https://hipchat.fully-qualified-domain-name.com or https://IPv4. Then, go to Group admin > Features.

Last modified on May 10, 2016

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