Purview Message Encryption Roadmap

Microsoft Purview Message Encryption (formerly Office 365 Message Encryption) is a Microsoft-hosted service that encrypts e-mail messages, providing end-to-end, persistent protection against leakage of sensitive message content.

Near-Term

Purview Message Encryption is stable and will see relatively few changes. Microsoft has focused much recent development work on supporting the S/MIME standard, addressing an important requirement for government agencies and firms working with them. (See the chart “Exchange Message Encryption Options“)

The original Office 365 Message Encryption service version (called “legacy OME” or just “OME” by Microsoft) has been closed to new tenants since 2023, and Microsoft recommends that customers move off the technology “as soon as it is reasonable for your organization.” However, Microsoft has not announced a final shutdown date.

Long-Term

Microsoft will continue to support its current encryption options other than legacy OME for the foreseeable future. Each offers different levels of security, reach, and ease of use, making it unlikely any will completely replace the others.

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