Microsoft Teams, the popular video conferencing service, has unveiled a new feature that aims to prevent the occurrence of profanity during meetings. The service has introduced profanity filters that will automatically block any offensive language uttered during a call.
The profanity filters, which were initially announced in February 2023, can be toggled on or off based on user preference. When enabled, the filters will apply to both live captions and live transcriptions, ensuring that any inappropriate words are masked or filtered out. If users choose to keep the feature turned off, all words will be displayed as-is without any censorship.
The toggle for the profanity filters can be found in the captions and transcription tab within the user settings. By default, the feature will be turned on, but users have the flexibility to customize their preferences. The feature is currently available on the Windows desktop and web versions of Microsoft Teams.
Although TechRadar Pro’s testing of the feature yielded inconclusive results, it is expected that censored or filtered words will appear as starred or blanked out. However, it is important to note that the feature does not extend to muting or preventing others from hearing explicit language, so it is still advisable to exercise caution and avoid using offensive language during meetings.
This update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience and make Microsoft Teams a more user-friendly platform. In March 2022, the company made live captions available to all users, expanding access beyond paying customers. Additionally, in September 2022, Microsoft introduced live translated captions, allowing users to select captions in their preferred language for better comprehension during meetings. Furthermore, Microsoft Teams Mobile users can utilize the “intelligent translation” feature to quickly translate messages in foreign languages, ensuring smooth and error-free communication.
By implementing profanity filters, Microsoft Teams aims to create a more professional and inclusive environment for all participants in meetings and conferences.
