OAuth 2.0 Scopes: Understanding Access Control in APIs 🌐

OAuth 2.0 scopes define the granular permissions an application can request from a user. They act as a boundary to ensure data privacy and security. For example, a app might request read or write access to specific resources.

Common Scopes in API Requests

  • user_profile 🧑‍💻
    Grants access to basic user information (e.g., name, profile picture).

    user_profile_icon

  • email 📧
    Allows retrieval of the user's email address.

    email_icon

  • calendar 🗓️
    Enables read/write access to calendar events and schedules.

    calendar_icon

  • offline_access ⏳
    Permits background access to resources even when the user is not actively logged in.

    offline_access_icon

How to Use Scopes

  1. Specify scopes in the authorization request:
    Example: GET /api/resource?scope=user_profile email

  2. Validate scope permissions during token issuance:
    Ensure the user grants consent for requested scopes.

  3. Restrict access based on scopes in API endpoints:
    Use scope checks to enforce permissions.

🔗 For deeper insights into OAuth2 workflows, visit /en/docs/developer/api-reference/oauth2/overview.

Scope Best Practices

  • Avoid requesting unnecessary scopes to minimize privacy risks.
  • Always document scopes clearly for users and developers.
  • Combine scopes with roles for layered security.
oauth2_scopes_diagram

For developers, managing scopes is key to building secure and user-friendly applications. 🛡️✨