Microsoft Teams ranks among the leading tools for workplace collaboration, serving millions through messaging, virtual meetings, and document sharing. Recent updates from the Microsoft 365 Roadmap indicate an upcoming addition scheduled for February 2026, which may spark privacy worries for many users and advocates alike.
The functionality is outlined as: Upon joining the company's Wi-Fi network, Teams will update the user's workplace status to match the specific structure they are in. It starts disabled by default, with organization administrators choosing to activate it and requiring staff to consent.
While this capability may appear straightforward initially, it carries potential privacy risks. Within the Teams network, members could gain ongoing visibility into peers' positions as they shift between Wi-Fi spots. Such tracking might facilitate surprise visits or impromptu in-person gatherings. It could also prevent individuals from seeking secluded office areas for uninterrupted focus.
More critically, this automated positioning tool might enable managers to scrutinize staff compliance more rigorously. For instance, does Worker A follow hybrid policies mandating certain office and remote days? Does Worker B frequently opt for home-based work during required on-site periods? In extreme cases, it could log arrival times to assess punctuality.
The option remains in the development phase, targeting a worldwide launch in February 2026 for both Windows and macOS. Initial projections aimed for a December 2025 debut, but the timeline has shifted.
This piece first ran in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German version.
Hans-Christian Dirscherl kicked off his tech career dealing with Autoexec.bat, config.sys, Turbo-Pascal, C, Sinix, and WordPerfect. Over the past 25 years, he has authored content on diverse IT subjects, ranging from current events to product evaluations and purchase recommendations.