How can admins programmatically access user data without manual authorization?

Using service accounts with domain-wide delegation enables admins to programmatically access user data without needing manual authorization from each user. This method allows a service account to perform actions on behalf of users in the Google Workspace domain, effectively bypassing the need for individual consent at every instance.

When a service account is set up with domain-wide delegation, an administrator configures specific scopes that determine which APIs the service account can access. This setup is particularly beneficial in organizational contexts, where managing user data efficiently is crucial. It ensures that the service account has the necessary permissions to perform tasks such as managing user settings, accessing or modifying data across applications like Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, and running automated processes without the need for user interaction.

The other options involve methods that either necessitate user consent or are more focused on individual case handling, which wouldn't meet the requirement of programmatically accessing data without manual authorization as effectively as domain-wide delegation does. For example, personal OAuth consent screens still require user consent, while individual requests rely on action from every user, contradicting the need for a streamlined and efficient administrative process.