§2024-11-30

In Rocket.Chat, each role has a specific level of access and permissions within the platform. Here’s a breakdown of the key roles and their differences:

Permissions Hierarchy: Generally, the hierarchy starts with Owner > Admin > Leader/Moderator, but the exact permissions for Leaders and Moderators may vary depending on server setup and customization.

1. Admin

   Responsibilities: Admins have the highest level of access within the system, apart from the server owner. They can manage and configure settings, install apps, manage users, and control all aspects of Rocket.Chat, including managing channels and permissions. Key Permissions: Full control over user management (create, delete, block users). Configure global settings and server settings. Add/remove apps and integrations. Access to all data on the platform. Can manage roles and permissions for others.

2. Moderator

   Responsibilities: Moderators have the ability to manage specific channels and control interactions within those channels. They generally don't have access to global settings but can manage message flow, member behavior, and moderate conversations within the channels they’re assigned to. Key Permissions: Mute, kick, or ban users from channels they moderate. Pin/unpin messages in channels they moderate. Delete messages from users in channels they moderate. May be allowed to manage some channel settings, depending on how the permissions are configured.

3. Leader

   Responsibilities: A "Leader" role is often used for special types of channels or communities within Rocket.Chat. Leaders have certain elevated privileges, but typically not as extensive as those of Admins or Moderators. Key Permissions: May have the ability to manage channel-specific settings and participants. Can manage user roles within a specific workspace or channel. May have permissions similar to Moderators, with added responsibilities such as managing integrations and promoting members to moderator status.

4. Owner

   Responsibilities: The "Owner" is typically the person who initially set up the Rocket.Chat server or workspace. This role has the highest level of control over the workspace itself, and in some systems, only the owner can delete or permanently modify the server or workspace. Key Permissions: Full control over the entire workspace. Can add and remove admins. Can configure global settings for the workspace. Typically cannot be removed or have their permissions altered by anyone except another system owner (if there is more than one).

Key Differences Between Roles:

Admin vs Owner: An Owner has control over the entire server, while an Admin typically has control over the platform’s features, settings, and users but is still subordinate to the Owner in terms of ultimate control.
Moderator vs Leader: Moderators focus on managing content and user behavior within specific channels. Leaders may have broader responsibilities or control over the structure and operation of a channel but are not as powerful as admins or owners.
Permissions Hierarchy: Generally, the hierarchy starts with Owner > Admin > Leader/Moderator, but the exact permissions for Leaders and Moderators may vary depending on server setup and customization.

Each role has a specific use case depending on the size and needs of the Rocket.Chat instance, allowing for flexibility and control over user access and interaction.