A blocking log is a record of specific administrative actions related to user access. According to the provided reference, it is a log of user blocking and unblocking actions. This means it tracks when a user account or IP address is manually blocked from accessing a system or platform, and when that block is subsequently removed (unblocked).
What a Blocking Log Contains
Based on the reference, a blocking log primarily captures the history of:
- User Blocking Actions: When an administrator or authorized user intentionally places a block on a specific user account or IP address.
- User Unblocking Actions: When an administrator or authorized user removes a previously placed block.
These entries provide a historical record of manual moderation decisions regarding user access.
What a Blocking Log Does Not Include
It's important to note what the reference states is not typically found in this type of log:
- Automatically Blocked IP Addresses: The log does not list IP addresses that may have been blocked automatically by system rules or security measures (e.g., due to excessive failed login attempts or spam activity).
Blocking Log vs. Block List
The reference also distinguishes the blocking log from a "block list". While the blocking log is a historical record of actions (what happened and when), the block list is a list of currently operational bans and blocks. The block list shows who or what is currently blocked, whereas the blocking log shows the history of those blocks being applied and removed.
In summary, a blocking log serves as an audit trail for manual interventions related to user access controls.
