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Blocked User Restrictions

Security Requirement Statement​

Blocked users must not be able to take actions such as messaging, reserving, or publishing.

Control Classification​

  • Timing Control Category: Preventive
  • Nature Control Category: Technical
  • Status: Identified
  • Date Identified: 2025-10-29
  • Date First Implemented: TBD
  • Date Last Reviewed: 2025-10-29
  • Date Retired: N/A

Compensating Controls​

  1. Admin Dashboard Interface: Comprehensive UI for blocking/unblocking users with reason tracking and duration controls
  2. Database-Level Flags: isBlocked boolean field on PersonalUser model ensures persistent blocked state
  3. GraphQL Resolver Authentication: JWT token validation prevents unauthenticated access to restricted operations
  4. Frontend State Management: UI components conditionally render based on user status and authentication state

Context and Problem Statement​

ShareThrift requires robust mechanisms to prevent blocked users from performing platform actions including creating listings, making reservations, and engaging in messaging. The platform must ensure that when administrators block users for policy violations, late returns, inappropriate behavior, or other infractions, those users cannot circumvent restrictions through any available interface.

Business Impact:​

  • Trust & Safety: Blocked users cannot continue harmful behaviors or policy violations
  • Community Protection: Legitimate users are protected from blocked users' potential misconduct
  • Administrative Control: Staff can effectively moderate platform usage and enforce community standards
  • Compliance: Platform can demonstrate proactive user management for regulatory purposes

Success Criteria​

Implemented Security Controls:​

  1. Database Blocking Model: isBlocked boolean field persistently tracks user restriction status
  2. Admin Management Interface: Comprehensive blocking/unblocking controls with reason tracking and duration options
  3. GraphQL Authentication Gates: JWT token validation prevents unauthenticated access to restricted operations
  4. UI State Management: Frontend components conditionally render based on user authentication and block status
  5. Block Communication System: Custom messages inform users about restrictions and contact information

Current Implementation Status:​

Fully Implemented:

  • User blocking data model with isBlocked field
  • Admin dashboard with block/unblock operations
  • UI components that check authentication status
  • GraphQL resolvers with JWT validation

Partially Implemented:

  • GraphQL resolvers validate authentication but lack explicit isBlocked checks
  • UI components check authentication but may not explicitly validate block status
  • Domain layer has blocking capabilities but enforcement may not be comprehensive

Restriction Coverage:​

  1. Listing Creation: GraphQL resolver authenticates users but needs explicit block validation
  2. Reservation Requests: Authentication required but block status checking needs enhancement
  3. Messaging Operations: Authentication framework in place, block enforcement needs verification
  4. Profile Updates: Authentication-gated with domain-level permission validation

Enhancement Opportunities:​

  1. Comprehensive Block Validation: Add explicit isBlocked checks to all user-initiated operations
  2. Standardized Error Messaging: Consistent blocked user error responses across all endpoints
  3. Audit Trail Enhancement: Detailed logging of blocked user attempt activities
  4. Block Reason Display: User-facing explanation of block reasons and appeal processes
  5. Time-Based Block Expiration: Automatic unblocking based on configured duration periods