468888 – Microsoft Purview compliance portal: Apply sensitivity labels with user-defined permissions in Office for the web in Microsoft 365

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Purview Communication Compliance, Purview Information Protection

Platform:

US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Office for the web in Microsoft 365 supports the application of sensitivity labels with user-defined permissions.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-11-19

updated:
2025-10-08

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If sensitivity labels are applied without proper training, users may face confusion regarding document access and sharing, leading to potential workflow interruptions.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-identity/microsoft-purview-compliance-portal-apply-sensitivity-labels/ba-p/3741230

Data Access Issues
Inadequate preparation for applying user-defined permissions may result in users being unable to access necessary documents, causing delays in project timelines.
   - roles: Project Managers, End Users
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-identity/microsoft-purview-compliance-portal-apply-sensitivity-labels/ba-p/3741230

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you have a digital filing cabinet where you store all your important documents. Some of these documents are more sensitive than others, like contracts or confidential client information. In the physical world, you might use different colored folders or locks to indicate the level of sensitivity and who can access them.

In the digital world, Microsoft 365's Office for the web now offers a similar way to manage document sensitivity through something called "sensitivity labels." These labels act like digital locks or colored folders, allowing you to classify and protect your documents based on their level of confidentiality.

With the new feature in Microsoft Purview compliance portal, you can now apply these sensitivity labels with user-defined permissions. This means you can decide who gets to see or edit each document, just like deciding who gets a key to a locked drawer. For example, you might label a document as "Confidential" and set it so only certain team members can access it, much like giving a specific colored key to only a few trusted colleagues.

This feature is particularly useful in collaborative environments where multiple people need to work on documents, but not everyone should have the same level of access. It's like having a shared office space where some rooms are open to everyone, while others require special permission to enter.

Overall, this change enhances security and control over sensitive information, ensuring that only the right people have access to the right documents, much like managing access to different areas in a physical office.