MC937935 – (Updated) Microsoft Purview | Information Protection: SharePoint Online library permissions extend to downloaded files

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 suite, Purview, Purview Communication Compliance, Purview compliance portal, Purview Information Protection, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

467254

Details:

Summary:
SharePoint Online library owners can soon apply sensitivity labels at the library level, automatically protecting all files and extending permissions to downloaded documents. This opt-in feature, rolling out from November 2024 to October 2025, enables real-time rights evaluation and streamlined access revocation for users.

Details:
Updated August 27, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We are providing this update because your tenant is utilizing sensitivity labels and Microsoft SharePoint Online.
Coming soon: A new capability that ties together SharePoint Online library permissions and Purview sensitivity labeling and protection. We are happy to bring this capability to Public Preview. This is an opt-in feature in Microsoft PowerShell.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 467254.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out mid-November 2024 and expect to complete by mid-January 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out late mid-September 2025 and expect to complete by mid-October 2025.
General Availability (GCCHigh, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-September 2025 and expect to complete by mid-October 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2024-11-20

updated:
2025-12-02

Public Preview Start Date

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Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Access Management
If the change is implemented without preparation, users may lose access to files they previously had access to, leading to confusion and potential disruption in their workflow.
   - roles: End Users, Document Library Owners
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

Data Security and Compliance
Unprepared implementation may lead to unintended exposure of sensitive data if permissions are not correctly set, increasing the risk of data breaches.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

User Experience
Users may experience frustration and decreased productivity due to unexpected changes in file access and permissions, leading to potential delays in project timelines.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Streamlined Document Management
Implementing sensitivity labels at the library level allows for bulk labeling of documents, which reduces the administrative burden on IT staff and enhances document management efficiency. This means less time spent on manual labeling and more focus on strategic IT initiatives.
   - next-steps: Prepare a pilot program to test the sensitivity labeling feature on a non-production site. Gather feedback from document library owners and refine the process before full implementation.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Document Library Owners
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

Enhanced Security and Compliance
Real-time rights evaluation and streamlined access revocation significantly improve data security and compliance. Organizations can better protect sensitive information and ensure that access to documents is managed effectively, reducing the risk of data breaches.
   - next-steps: Conduct a risk assessment to identify sensitive documents and determine the best practices for implementing the new sensitivity labeling feature. Develop training materials for users to understand the importance of document security.
   - roles: Security Officers, Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

User Experience Improvement
By automating the application of sensitivity labels and permissions, users experience a more seamless interaction with document libraries. This reduces confusion over document access and enhances collaboration, as users can trust that permissions are up-to-date and accurately reflect their access rights.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on current challenges with document access and labeling. Plan user training sessions to familiarize them with the new features and benefits of the sensitivity labeling system.
   - roles: End Users, Document Library Owners, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/sensitivity-labels-sharepoint-extend-permissions, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=467254

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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