> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://bigbluebutton.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Participant Permissions and Policies

> What used to be called lock settings is now participant permissions — and the checkboxes are affirmative.

<Note>
  **Draft** — this page is draft documentation for BigBlueButton 4.0. The details described here may change before release.
</Note>

In BigBlueButton 4.0, the user list gathers the user-management functions into one place, including what 3.0 called **lock settings**. They are now **participant permissions**, and they read the way you would expect: **a checked box means participants can do it.** To take something away, clear the checkbox.

## Set permissions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open permissions and policies">
    Open **permissions and policies** from the user list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clear what you want to restrict">
    For example, to stop participants from messaging each other, clear **private chat**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply">
    Select **Apply**. Participants see the usual message telling them the setting has been locked.
  </Step>
</Steps>

To give a permission back, check the box again and apply — participants are told they are unlocked.

## Guest policy

The same place holds the **guest policy**, which decides what happens when someone arrives:

| Policy                   | What happens                                      |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Always ask moderator** | Arrivals wait in the lobby until you review them. |
| **Always accept**        | Arrivals join the session directly.               |
| **Always deny**          | Arrivals are turned away.                         |

See [Review and Admit Guests in Bulk](/docs/4.0/moderator-guide/review-and-admit-guests-in-bulk) for handling the lobby itself.

## Presenting mode

Also in the same panel is the presenting mode — whether you assign the presenter role, participants request it, or anyone can present at any time. See [Presenting Modes](/docs/4.0/moderator-guide/presenting-modes).

## Managing individual users

The per-user actions are the same ones you know from 3.0: make someone a presenter, promote them to moderator, or remove them. When someone is talking, their name appears at the top of the user list, and you can mute them by selecting it.

<Tip>
  The user list has a search box in 4.0. In a session with a hundred people, search is the fastest way to find the one you need.
</Tip>