Slack deletes data from free workspaces after one year
In future, Slack will only store chat messages and files for one year for free workspaces. Users will have to buy a license for a longer archive.
(Image: dpa, Fabian Sommer/dpa)
After one year, Slack will delete all content from free workspaces. This change to the communication platform will take effect from August 26, 2024 and will affect both chat messages and shared files.
Previously, Slack stored all user data indefinitely. However, it was only available to users of the free workspaces for 90 days. If they wanted to access old chats and files afterwards, they had to buy a license.
Slack is not changing access for the first 90 days. The data can also be exported as before. However, Slack would like to point out that the data will be irrevocably deleted after one year - it cannot be restored afterwards, even if a license is purchased.
Exception for Slack Connect
The provider does not delete messages and shared files that are connected to an Enterprise user via Slack Connect. Users who are in a trial phase are not affected during this phase - but if it expires and the user subsequently decides not to purchase a license, the above rules apply.
Slack does not comment on the reasons for the change in the announcement. Slack also does not state how many users have actually downloaded their data for a fee after 90 days. In any case, Slack is no longer suitable as a free archive for internal company communication.
(fo)
