Sensitivity labels in Power BI are a powerful feature that helps organizations classify and protect their data based on confidentiality levels. These labels originate from Microsoft Purview Information Protection and can be applied to Power BI content including reports, dashboards, datasets, and da…Sensitivity labels in Power BI are a powerful feature that helps organizations classify and protect their data based on confidentiality levels. These labels originate from Microsoft Purview Information Protection and can be applied to Power BI content including reports, dashboards, datasets, and dataflows.
To apply sensitivity labels, administrators must first enable the feature in the Power BI tenant settings. Users need appropriate licenses, typically Microsoft 365 E5 or equivalent, and must have permissions to apply labels. Labels are configured in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal where organizations define classification levels such as Public, Internal, Confidential, and Highly Confidential.
When applying labels in Power BI, users can select a label from the sensitivity menu in the ribbon or settings pane of their content. The label travels with the data, meaning when content is exported to supported formats like Excel or PowerPoint, the sensitivity label and its associated protections persist. This ensures consistent data protection across the Microsoft ecosystem.
Sensitivity labels can enforce encryption and access restrictions. For example, a Highly Confidential label might restrict who can view or edit the content. Labels also provide visual markings like headers, footers, or watermarks to remind users of the data classification.
Inheritance is another key concept where downstream content automatically receives labels from upstream data sources. If a dataset has a Confidential label, reports built on that dataset inherit the same classification by default.
Administrators can track label usage through audit logs and activity reports in the Power BI admin portal. This monitoring capability supports compliance requirements and helps identify potential data handling issues.
For effective implementation, organizations should establish clear labeling policies, train users on proper classification procedures, and regularly review label assignments. Sensitivity labels integrate with broader data governance strategies, supporting regulatory compliance requirements like GDPR, HIPAA, and industry-specific standards while maintaining usability for business users.
Apply Sensitivity Labels in Power BI
Why Sensitivity Labels Are Important
Sensitivity labels are crucial for data protection and compliance in organizations. They help classify and protect sensitive data within Power BI by applying consistent security policies across your entire data estate. This ensures that confidential business information, personal data, and other sensitive content remains protected even when shared outside the organization.
What Are Sensitivity Labels?
Sensitivity labels are part of Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) framework. They are tags that can be applied to Power BI content including: - Datasets - Reports - Dashboards - Dataflows
Common label classifications include: Public, General, Confidential, and Highly Confidential. These labels travel with the data when exported to Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files.
How Sensitivity Labels Work
1. Configuration in Microsoft 365: Administrators create and configure sensitivity labels in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal
2. Tenant Settings: Power BI admins must enable sensitivity labels in the Power BI admin portal under tenant settings
3. Label Application: Users with appropriate permissions can apply labels through the Power BI service by selecting the sensitivity button in the header of reports, dashboards, or datasets
4. Inheritance: Labels can be inherited downstream - when a dataset has a label, reports built on that dataset can automatically inherit the label
5. Export Protection: When content with sensitivity labels is exported, the protection travels with the exported file
Prerequisites for Using Sensitivity Labels - Power BI Pro or Premium Per User license - Azure Information Protection Premium P1 or P2 license - Sensitivity labels enabled in tenant settings - Appropriate permissions assigned to users
Key Features to Remember - Labels persist when data is exported - Mandatory labeling can be enforced - Labels can restrict who can access exported content - Audit logs track label changes
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Apply Sensitivity Labels
1. Know the Prerequisites: Questions often test whether you understand that both Power BI licensing AND Azure Information Protection licensing are required.
2. Understand Label Inheritance: Be prepared for scenarios asking about how labels flow from datasets to dependent reports and dashboards.
3. Admin Portal vs. Compliance Portal: Remember that labels are CREATED in Microsoft Purview compliance portal but ENABLED for Power BI in the Power BI admin portal.
4. Export Behavior: Expect questions about what happens to labels when content is exported to supported file formats.
5. Permission Requirements: Know that users need appropriate permissions both to view labeled content and to apply or change labels.
6. Supported Content Types: Memorize which Power BI artifacts support sensitivity labels - paginated reports do NOT support sensitivity labels.
7. Mandatory Labeling: Understand that organizations can require users to apply labels before saving content.
8. Scenario-Based Questions: When presented with compliance scenarios, look for answers involving sensitivity labels as the primary mechanism for data classification and protection.
9. Integration Points: Remember that sensitivity labels integrate with Microsoft 365 ecosystem, allowing consistent protection across Teams, SharePoint, and Power BI.