Drive Labels available yet?

[bill_pier3]

A few weeks ago, in Cloud Next, it was mentioned that Drive Labels were now in general availability, but does anyone (not involved with beta testing) have this new feature/facility yet?

[bill_pier3 · Accepted solution]

Apparently, the use of the term "Drive Labels", mentioned as generally available, at Google Cloud Next '21, is inclusive of Data Loss Protection ... as well as the previously named Drive Metadata labels.

The DLP (Automated classification) part of Drive Labels IS AVAILABLE, but not to my Domain category.  And you're correct, that the Metadata label feature, renamed to Drive Labels, is still in beta testing.

Perhaps Google shouldn't use the same catch-all title for different features ... as in this case, it's terribly confusing.

[Penelope · Accepted solution]

I saw today there was a recent article (from earlier this month) about Drive Labels and DLP; https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2021/12/enhanced-content-classification.html?m=1

Drive labels: This renaming and update to the previously-announced Drive metadata feature enables admins to configure custom labels (formerly “metadata”) for a domain. Users can then apply these labels to files in Drive, helping ensure files are handled correctly. This feature is now generally available.

Rollout pace

Drive labels

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 7, 2021

Automated Classification and Labels based sharing restrictions with DLP integration

Launching in the next few weeks. Check back to the Workspace blog for updates

[Penelope]

That's interesting since that means the article about Drive labels needs to be updated if people not in beta have it...https://support.google.com/a/answer/9292382?hl=en (it says "

Important: This feature is currently in beta and not yet available to all customers. Administrators for supported Workspace editions can apply for the Drive labels beta.") 

I personally don't see the labels in either my Business Workspace nor Education Workspace account. 

[bill_pier3 · Accepted solution]

Apparently, the use of the term "Drive Labels", mentioned as generally available, at Google Cloud Next '21, is inclusive of Data Loss Protection ... as well as the previously named Drive Metadata labels.

The DLP (Automated classification) part of Drive Labels IS AVAILABLE, but not to my Domain category.  And you're correct, that the Metadata label feature, renamed to Drive Labels, is still in beta testing.

Perhaps Google shouldn't use the same catch-all title for different features ... as in this case, it's terribly confusing.

[Penelope · Accepted solution]

I saw today there was a recent article (from earlier this month) about Drive Labels and DLP; https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2021/12/enhanced-content-classification.html?m=1

Drive labels: This renaming and update to the previously-announced Drive metadata feature enables admins to configure custom labels (formerly “metadata”) for a domain. Users can then apply these labels to files in Drive, helping ensure files are handled correctly. This feature is now generally available.

Rollout pace

Drive labels

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 7, 2021

Automated Classification and Labels based sharing restrictions with DLP integration

Launching in the next few weeks. Check back to the Workspace blog for updates

[Penelope]

Just came across https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2022/01/categorize-content-and-enhance-content.html and thought you might be interested in it (sounds like the rollout is supposed to be complete this month). 

[Tom_Sch · Accepted solution]

It looks like this feature is now available. I am playing around with it and think it is a good thing in general, but there are some basic things missing or at least I haven't figured out how they work. 

For example you can set a label to be mandatory. So I went ahead created a Google Sheet entered a name and some values and it saved the file. No pop up that I have to set a label. You can use that file without a label at all. You have to set a label in drive.google.com. I thought if you set a label as mandatory and create a document it should ask the user to set a label before moving on. 

The good thing though is that if you open that doc you see the label assigned next to the name and you can add a new one if needed. 

Anyone tested this yet? I am more than happy to get some feedback and in case I missed something help me out please. 

-Tom