A new feature allows users to disable receiving private messages (PMs), with the setting located under ‘interface’. Staff members, including admins and moderators, can still send PMs to users regardless of their preferences. The feature can be configured by groups via the ‘personal message enabled groups’ setting. Some users had difficulty finding the option, with clarification provided on its location and functionality. jomaxro announced the change, downey asked about admin overrides, vinothkannans confirmed staff permissions, and JammyDodger explained the group-based configuration, while satonotdead sought clarification and later acknowledged the explanation.
If I’m not mistaken, staff (admin & moderators) are allowed to send PMs to all users regardless of the user preference. @tgxworld would need to confirm.