How do I troubleshoot Data Loss Protection not working in SharePoint 2016

Question

I have created both the eDiscovery and Compliance Policy site collection in SharePoint 2016. The eDiscovery site returns a list of non compliant document, but the Compliance policy neither emails or provides a tooltip on non compliant documents. I have followed the instructions from Microsoft here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/create-a-dlp-policy-in-sharepoint-server-2016-0bd9c41e-8ed4-4cd5-b4e8-0c0f66d8d538

I have verified that Search crawls are running on the site collection that contains the non compliant documents, as well as outgoing email is working. After several days of it not working, I manually ran all four timer jobs that control compliance, but still nothing is working. I'm hoping someone experienced with DLP in SharePoint 2016 can help me.

Answer 1

Hi @Ramsey, Dwayne，

Thank you for posting in this community.

First of all, I would like to confirm your problem: the DLP policy you set up does not work and does not send email alerts.

If I understand correctly, we need to work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

1.I know you have probably confirmed your DLP policy many times, but I would like you to double-check that you have configured your DLP policy correctly. In addition, make sure your sensitive information types are supported by SharePoint Server 2016 and that your sensitive information types are in the correct format and pattern.

2.If your DLP policy is fine, let's see if the DLP policy is properly checking for sensitive information.

3.If the DLP policy scans for sensitive information in the log, but the email does not send a notification. First, check if the email is in spam.

Second, ensure SharePoint outgoing email settings are correct. You can refer to this article for configuration.

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. The sites are not controlled by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please make sure that you completely understand the risk before retrieving any suggestions from the above link. 

Third, log into the web version of outlook to see if you have received a notification e-mail, if so, please follow this article to solve the problem.

Forth, make sure MailTips Options are enabled in the Client.

Steps: Outlook > File > Options > Mail > MailTips Options

Reference: Overview of data loss prevention in SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019.

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.