This feature allows admins to control both user visibility from the "Direct Messages" section and chat permissions within ClickUp. Ideal for teams with freelancers, external collaborators, or people within the organization, it enables administrators to selectively grant visibility and chat access to specific users, groups of people, or a combination of both. This flexible approach allows users to be assigned to one or more groups while also being granted access to individual users as needed.

By default, team members cannot see or chat with others until explicitly granted access. Once authorized, users can initiate one-on-one chats with visible contacts by clicking on their icons. This feature fosters a secure, privacy-focused communication environment, enhancing collaboration while maintaining confidentiality and role-based control.

In essence it’s like text messaging. You may have a 100 contacts, but when you text message a person that message is going only to that single person. Your 99 other contacts can’t see who you’re messaging and don’t have access to each other unless you invite them into a group chat.