Allison details new features in GitHub repository ruleset management, introducing the exempt bypass type for trusted actors and improved accessibility in repository insights.

GitHub Ruleset Exemptions and Repository Insights Updates

GitHub has introduced two important improvements for repository management:

New Ruleset Bypass Type: Exemptions

Repository rulesets now offer an exempt bypass type, allowing specific actors (users, teams, or GitHub Apps) to be excused from all enforced rules.
Unlike the standard ‘break glass’ bypass, exemptions do not generate audit signals and operate silently, ideal for trusted automation or large-scale migration.
Benefits:
- Reduces friction for trusted, high-volume automation (including bots handling migrations or integrations).
- Speeds up large repository migrations without disabling overall rules.
- Enables behavior parity with classic branch protection’s “Restrict who can push.”
How to Configure an Exemption:
1. Navigate to your repository’s ruleset settings.
2. In the “Bypass” list, locate the actor you want to exempt.
3. Open the context menu (…).
4. Select the Exempt option.
This feature helps maintain security while optimizing workflow for automation and migration scenarios.

Enhanced Repository Insights for Accessibility

GitHub repository insights (traffic and pulse) now feature more accessible graphs for users relying on screen readers.
Users can switch graphs to tabular view or download the data as CSV or PNG, aiding reporting and analysis workflows.
Temporary Note: Referring sites and popular content data on traffic insights may be missing or inaccurate as of this update — GitHub is working on a fix.

Additional Information

For more information or to participate in discussions, see the GitHub Community.

This post appeared first on “The GitHub Blog”. Read the entire article here