Is it possible for an Okta admin to block specific users from accessing an external IdP using a Routing Rule?

In the context of Okta and its capabilities regarding routing rules and user access to external Identity Providers (IdPs), it’s important to understand how routing rules function and their limitations. Routing rules are primarily employed to manage which IdP to use for authentication based on specific attributes or criteria, such as user groups or application context.

Blocking specific users from accessing an external IdP isn't something that routing rules can directly accomplish. Routing rules are not designed to selectively deny access; instead, they route authentication requests based on defined conditions. Therefore, the fundamental capability of routing rules does not include the ability to block users on an individual basis.

In contrast, while custom policies could theoretically enforce more granular access control, this option introduces complexity that goes beyond the basic functionality of routing rules. The aspect of restricting access based on roles, groups, or other user profile attributes normally requires a different approach, such as utilizing specific access policies rather than just the routing mechanism. Overall, the design and intent behind routing rules in Okta do not support blocking user access to IdPs, reinforcing that it is not a capability that exists within their intended use.