> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guides.mangoapps.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guides.mangoapps.com/admin-guide/compliance/self-destruct.md).

# Self Destruct

### Overview

Network admins in MangoApps have the ability to set up automatic deletion of chat messages—both private and team chats—after a specified period. This feature helps maintain data security, message retention policies, and ensure compliance with organizational guidelines.

<img src="/files/68jRyE8IMKpHU3lFxH4C" alt="" width="563">

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### Configuring Self-Destruct Chat Settings

Admins can configure chat self-destruct settings by selecting a predefined time-period after which private and team chat messages will be automatically deleted from the system.&#x20;

This setting applies to private messages as well as team messages, including chats within projects, groups, departments, and ad-hoc chat groups

Once the self-destruct settings are applied, chat messages will be permanently deleted from MangoApps servers and **CANNOT be recovered**.

Any modification to the Self Destruct Chat settings is recorded in the **Audit Log** for tracking and compliance purposes.

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### Why Configure Self-Destruct for Your Domain?

Enabling chat self-destruction provides several benefits for organizations, including:

* **Data Security** - Automatically deleting chat messages reduces the risk of sensitive information being stored indefinitely, mitigating potential data leaks.
* **Compliance with Data Retention Policies** - Organizations with strict data retention policies can ensure that chat messages are only available for a specific duration, helping maintain compliance with industry regulations.