📖 What is Communication Compliance?
Communication Compliance is a tool within Microsoft Purview that monitors internal and external communications for policy violations. It identifies inappropriate content, harassment, or sensitive data leaks across Teams, Exchange, and Viva Engage to maintain a professional and safe workplace.
"Sensei says: This is a Purview feature. Know that it requires specific administrative roles and specifically monitors Teams and Exchange messaging."
📚 Certification: Microsoft 365 Administrator (MS-102)
🔑 What are the Key Concepts of Communication Compliance?
- ▸ Utilizes predefined and custom policies to automatically detect inappropriate language, harassment, or sensitive data leaks across supported M365 communication channels.
- ▸ Integrates directly with Microsoft Purview, allowing administrators to manage communication risks alongside other compliance and data governance tools.
- ▸ Supports specific workloads including Microsoft Teams chats and channels, Exchange Online emails, and Viva Engage conversations for comprehensive monitoring.
- ▸ Implements a reviewer workflow where designated users investigate flagged messages and take remediation actions like sending reminders or escalating cases.
- ▸ Requires granular permission assignments, such as the Communication Compliance Administrator role, to ensure privacy and limit access to sensitive communications.
🎯 How does Communication Compliance appear on the MS-102 Exam?
You may be asked to identify the best tool for an HR department to monitor for workplace harassment or inappropriate conduct within Microsoft Teams and Exchange while maintaining a formal review process.
A scenario might describe a need to detect the sharing of sensitive information in internal chats without blocking the message immediately, requiring a review-based approach to identify behavioral risks.
Expect questions about which specific administrative roles are required to create and manage policies that flag communications for review by a compliance officer within the Purview portal to ensure a separation of duties.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does Communication Compliance differ from Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?
While DLP focuses on blocking or encrypting sensitive data in real-time to prevent leaks, Communication Compliance is designed for monitoring and reviewing communication patterns to address behavioral issues like harassment.
Can Communication Compliance monitor messages sent by external guests in Teams?
Yes, the tool can monitor communications involving external users, provided they are interacting within the organization's Teams channels or via Exchange, helping maintain professional standards with third parties.
Does every Global Administrator have access to review flagged communications?
No. To protect privacy, access to review flagged messages is restricted to users explicitly assigned the Communication Compliance reviewer or administrator roles, regardless of their Global Admin status.