Private Channels can now be created in the PennPortal.

Channels can now be defined as private which limits the channel to a subset of the Penn population.

A new field/attribute called 'Allowed PennKeys for a Private Channel' has been added to channels. If PennKeys are entered into this field then the channel is considered private and only those users with matching PennKeys can subscribe to the channel and view the channel contents.

Content managers of existing channels can make a channel that they run private by using a new option under 'Manage Channels. The new '[edit PennKeys]' link, under 'Manage Channels' allows content managers to make a channel private, update the list of PennKeys for that private channel and, by removing all of the PennKeys, make the channel public. This screen does not send a request that needs to be approved by the Portal Administrator.

Making a channel that was once public into a private channel will remove the channel from any user that may have subscribed to the channel and is not on the list of allowed user for the private channel. A warning message is shown to the content manager to confirm this action.

In addition to the new field for PennKeys there is also a new option that applies to private channels. This option, called 'Show private channel on 'Choose Content' screen.' is available on the '[edit PennKeys]' screen.

If the option is checked, then the channel will appear on the Choose Content screen to all users, even if the channel is private. However, users whose PennKeys are not on the list will see the channel but, will not be able to add it directly to their tab. Instead a message ('Your PennKey is not on the list of allowed users for this channel') is shown and an option ([Request to be Added to this Private Channel]) is shown. If the user requests to be added, an announcement is sent to the content manager(s) for the channel and the content manager can then click the announcement to allow or deny the user access to the channel. An appropriate return announcement is sent to the requestor indicating that they are allowed to subscribe to the channel (in which case they will be able to add it to their tab when they do Choose Content). If the content manager denied their request, an announcement is sent back to the user indicating their request was denied.

If the option is not checked then the channel will only appear to a user on the 'Choose Content' screen if the users PennKey is on the list of allowed users.

Key Points about Private Channels.

1. Content Managers can make a channel public or private by changing what PennKeys are on their list using the form Manage Channels -> [edit PennKeys]. A warning message is shown to the content manager if they clear all of the PennKeys for a private channel. Since by doing so the channel will then become public. Also, a warning is shown if the content manager enters PennKeys to a channel that was public.
   
   
2. Updating the PennKeys on a channel causes immediate results. If the channel was on a users tab and their PennKey is not in the list when the content managers presses the update button on the [edit PennKeys] screen it will be removed if the channel is private.