---
source_url: https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/moderation
title: Moderate users and messages
updated_at: 2026-06-12T11:23:19.332Z
---

> Documentation Index
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> For the full list of all documentation pages, see: https://www.pubnub.com/docs/llms-full.txt


# Moderate users and messages

:::tip Related moderation approaches
Chat SDK provides programmatic muting, banning, and flagging. See also: [Auto Moderation](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/bizops-workspace/auto-moderation) (AI-powered), [Channel Monitor](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/bizops-workspace/channel-monitor) (manual review), [Moderation Overview](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/general/moderation/overview).
:::

Chat SDK offers multiple approaches for moderating users and messages.

## Flag messages

Users can [flag a message](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/messages/moderation) to report offensive content. A reason is required.

## Mute users

Admins can [mute](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/users/moderation#mute-or-ban-users) users to block them from posting. With [Access Manager](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/users/permissions), revoke `write` access so muted users can read but not send messages.

:::note Secret Key required
Mute and ban operations require a **Secret Key** (from [Admin Portal](https://admin.pubnub.com/)). Use only on secure servers, never expose to clients. If compromised, generate a new key in Admin Portal.
:::

## Ban users

Admins can [ban](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/users/moderation#mute-or-ban-users) users to block both posting and reading. With [Access Manager](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/users/permissions), revoke `read` and `write` access.

## Check user restrictions

[Check user restrictions](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/users/moderation#check-restrictions) to verify mute or ban status before allowing operations.

Combine moderation restrictions with Access Manager rules for comprehensive protection. Access Manager verifies permissions against moderation restrictions before granting access.

## Listen to flagging events

Monitor [reported message events](https://www.pubnub.com/docs/chat/unity-chat-sdk/build/features/messages/moderation#listen-to-report-events) as an admin.

### Handle flagging events

Add custom moderation logic or integrate with third-party services via [PubNub Integrations](https://www.pubnub.com/integrations/) (import from Admin Portal's Functions tab for profanity filtering and more).