# Microsoft 365 Copilot and Purview: A New Default for Data Governance > Microsoft is changing the default data governance behavior for how Microsoft 365 Copilot interacts with Microsoft Purview. The new settings, rolling out by October 27, 2027, require admins to review a Source: https://loopbackup.com/blog/microsoft-365-copilot-and-purview-a-new-default-for-data-gov-mq6etbjh Publisher: Loop Backup Content language: en --- ## At a Glance **Deadline:** October 27, 2027 Microsoft is adjusting the default data governance settings for Microsoft 365 Copilot interactions with Microsoft Purview Information Protection. Starting on this date, organizations that have not explicitly configured a default sensitivity label may find their data is less restricted than before. This change requires immediate attention from administrators to ensure that sensitive information remains secure as AI-powered features become more integrated into daily workflows. ## The Change: What's Happening with Copilot and Purview? Microsoft 365 Copilot is designed to respect the data governance rules you establish in Microsoft Purview. Sensitivity labels, which classify data as "Confidential," "Internal," or "Public," are the primary tool for controlling how information is handled, shared, and accessed by users and services, including Copilot. Historically, if a document or email lacked a specific sensitivity label, Copilot would operate under a highly restrictive model, limiting its ability to summarize, create, or act upon that content. While safe, this approach could sometimes limit Copilot's utility. To enhance usability, Microsoft is shifting the default behavior. After the October 27, 2027 rollout completes, content without an explicit sensitivity label will be treated as "General" or non-sensitive business data. This means Copilot will be able to more freely interact with unlabeled content. The risk is that if your organization has sensitive documents that users have not properly labeled, Copilot could inadvertently include that information in its outputs, potentially leading to overexposure or data leaks. This change puts the onus squarely on administrators to be proactive. Relying on the old, implicitly restrictive default is no longer a viable data protection strategy. ## Who Is Affected? This change impacts all organizations licensed for Microsoft 365 Copilot. However, the risk is highest for organizations that: * Have not implemented a comprehensive data classification scheme using Purview sensitivity labels. * Have users who are not consistently applying labels to the content they create. * Have been relying on the previous restrictive default behavior to prevent data leakage. For any business handling proprietary information, client data, or PII, this change represents a significant new risk vector. It underscores the importance of having a robust safety net, including a comprehensive [cloud backup](/microsoft-365-backup) plan. While Purview policies are essential for preventing data misuse, they do not protect against accidental deletion or data corruption. A dedicated third-party solution like [Loop Backup](/), which creates independent, secure copies of your Microsoft 365 data, is a critical layer of defense against unforeseen data incidents stemming from policy changes or user error. Subsequent mentions of Loop Backup will remain unlinked. ## What You Need to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide Administrators should not wait until the deadline to act. Proactive configuration is the only way to ensure a seamless and secure transition. Loop Backup recommends the following steps: 1. **Audit Your Current Policies:** Begin by conducting a thorough audit of your existing Purview Information Protection policies and sensitivity labels. Understand what you have, how it's being used, and where the gaps are. Identify which labels are most critical for protecting sensitive data. 2. **Define and Deploy a Default Label:** Do not let Microsoft decide your default level of data access. Establish a default, organization-wide sensitivity label for any new content that has not been explicitly labeled by a user. For most organizations, a label like "Internal" is a safe starting point, as it prevents external sharing by default. 3. **Strengthen Data Loss Prevention (DLP):** Review and enhance your DLP policies to specifically monitor for sensitive content being shared or used by Copilot. You can create rules that generate alerts or block actions when Copilot attempts to use data tagged with a "Confidential" label in an inappropriate context. 4. **Communicate and Train:** This is a critical moment to reinvest in user training. Ensure all employees understand the importance of data classification and know how to apply sensitivity labels in Outlook, Word, Excel, and other M365 apps. Clear communication about the "why" behind the policy will improve adoption. 5. **Run a Pilot Program:** Before the deadline, identify a pilot group of users to test the impact of the new default label and updated policies. This will help you uncover any unforeseen issues with workflows or application behavior before a full-scale rollout. By taking these concrete steps, you can harness the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot while maintaining tight control over your organization's most valuable asset: its data.