What is the default label behavior in Microsoft 365 if no sensitivity label is applied manually?

In Microsoft 365, if no sensitivity label is applied manually, items are unlabelled until an automatic labeling rule is triggered. This means that by default, content does not automatically receive any classification until specific conditions defined in automatic labeling policies are met. Automatic labeling can be configured to classify content based on certain criteria, such as the presence of sensitive information types like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or specific keywords.

This behavior allows organizations to maintain control over how information is classified and ensures that items are only labeled when they meet the predefined policy requirements. It allows for a more tailored application of sensitivity labels, ensuring that the data is handled according to the organization’s compliance needs.

The other options do not accurately reflect the default behavior in Microsoft 365 regarding sensitivity labeling. For example, items automatically being classified as public would not align with the intentionality behind sensitivity labels, which are designed to provide more nuanced classification than just public or private. Similarly, the options regarding archiving or flags for manual review do not reflect the default state of unlabelled content awaiting automatic labeling action.