---
title: "Slack Integration Permissions"
description: "When you connect Brainfish to your Slack workspace, it requests specific permissions to operate effectively. This guide explains what each permission allows, and what Brainfish cannot do, to ensure full transparency and trust."
canonical_url: "https://help.brainfi.sh/articles/slack-integration-permissions-td3YUphrAJ"
md_url: "https://help.brainfi.sh/articles/slack-integration-permissions-td3YUphrAJ.md"
---
# Slack Integration Permissions

When you connect Brainfish to your Slack workspace, it requests specific permissions to operate effectively. This guide explains **what each permission allows**, and **what Brainfish cannot do**, to ensure full transparency and trust.


---

## Content and Message Access

### Read Messages

**Permissions**: `channels:history`, `im:history`

**Brainfish can**:

* Read messages in **public channels** where it's added
* Read **direct messages** sent to Brainfish
* Understand message content to answer your questions

**Brainfish cannot**:

* Access messages that don’t mention it
* Read messages in channels it’s not invited to
* Access messages in private channels without explicit invite


---

### Detect Mentions

**Permission**: `app_mentions:read`

**Brainfish can**:

* Recognize when someone mentions `@Brainfish`
* Know which channel the mention is in
* Understand the message context


---

## Communication Capabilities

### Send Messages

**Permissions**: `chat:write`, `chat:write.customize`, `im:write`

**Brainfish can**:

* Reply to questions in the same channel or thread
* Send direct messages when relevant
* Post to public channels (when invited to the channel)
* Use Slack formatting (bold, links, buttons)


---

### Custom Formatting

**Permission**: `chat:write.customize`

**Brainfish can**:

* Format responses with Slack markdown
* Add helpful links, attachments, and buttons
* Present answers in a clear, structured layout


---

## Link and URL Handling

**Permissions**: `links:read`, `links:write`

**Brainfish can**:

* Read shared links from https://app.brainfi.sh to understand context
* Generate link previews for internal documents
* Unfurl knowledge base links with rich previews


---

## Commands and Interactions

### Slash Commands

**Permission**: `commands`

**Brainfish can**:

* Respond to the `/fish` command
* Open modals for advanced searches
* Handle user parameters and filters

**Where you can use** `/fish`:

* Public channels: Yes
* Private channels (if Brainfish is invited): Yes
* Direct messages: No (use `@Brainfish` instead)


---

## Private Channel Access

### Permissions for Private Channels

* `groups:history` – Read messages where added
* `groups:write` – Send messages where added
* `mpim:history` – Read in group DMs
* `mpim:write` – Post in group DMs

**What this means**:

* Brainfish works in **private channels** and **multi-party DMs** if invited
* Use `@Brainfish` or `/fish` after inviting the bot
* Cannot access any private content unless explicitly added


---

## Privacy and Security

**Brainfish does not**:

* Read any messages unless directly mentioned
* Access user profiles, workspace settings, or user lists
* Store message content permanently
* Send messages as other users

**Brainfish only**:

* Logs search queries anonymously for product improvement
* Uses data strictly to provide answers and support


---

## Troubleshooting

### Bot not responding in private channels?

* Make sure you’ve used: `/invite @Brainfish`
* Use `/fish` or `@Brainfish` to start the conversation
* Confirm Brainfish has proper permissions

### Permission denied errors?

* Check that Brainfish is **invited to the channel**
* Ensure it’s **properly installed in your workspace**
* Use it in a **public** or **joined private** channel

### Slash command not working?

* Only works in **channels**, not DMs
* Use `@Brainfish` for questions in direct messages


---

## Best Practices

* Invite Brainfish to channels where team questions arise
* Use `@Brainfish` for fast answers, and `/fish` for advanced help
* Leverage private channels for sensitive but collaborative tasks
* Create topic-specific channels for AI-powered support


---

## Need Help?

Check this Help Center for FAQs and tips. Or contact Brainfish support directly for assistance.


---