Message ID: MC1045211
In alignment with Microsoft 365 core workload administration best practices private content mode will be retired as of June 30th, 2025. This feature has been utilized for specific use cases related to Viva Engage administration and management, and we have outlined alternative solutions for these scenarios in the communication below. This applies to Engage on web, Engage on Teams and Engage on outlook.
[When this will happen:]
(Worldwide) The feature will be completely retired by June 30th, 2025
[How this will affect your organization:]
Viva Engage will no longer support private content mode, present within the classic Yammer admin center. Verified admins will no longer be able to enable or disable this feature. If the feature was left on by a verified admin, then it will be disabled for them.
There are alternative methods that can fulfill the needs previously met by private content mode:
- Viewing private community content without being a member: Users with the Global Administrator or Groups Administrator role can search for private communities within Engage and join these communities without requiring explicit approvals. Learn more about other Entra ID roles here.
- Viewing community admins and members for private communities without being a member: Since Engage Communities are backed by Microsoft 365 groups, the list of group owners and group members are visible within Entra ID for all users. Learn more about group management here.
- Handling legal/audit cases in Engage: Compliance administrators, eDiscovery managers, and eDiscovery administrators can access, search, and export private community and private message content on Viva Engage. Learn more about our eDiscovery standard solution here.
Admins are also able to perform network data exports which can be manipulated to handle other advanced use cases.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
There will be no exceptions to the retirement which will be done on June 30th, 2025. We recommend you communicate clearly and early to admins of this impending change and coordinate an effort to understand the alternative solutions proposed above.
Source: Microsoft
The upcoming retirement of the private content mode in Microsoft Viva Engage, effective June 30th, 2025, marks a significant shift for both admins and users. This change aligns with Microsoft 365’s commitment to streamline administration best practices and enhance security across its platforms.
For admins, the impact is twofold. On one hand, the removal of this feature simplifies the administrative landscape, eliminating the need to manage permissions for private content mode. However, it also means that admins will need to adapt to new methods for handling private community content. Thankfully, Microsoft provides alternative solutions, such as the ability for Global Administrators to join private communities without approval, which should ease some of the transition. It’s a bit like trading in your trusty old car for a newer model—there might be a learning curve, but the features will ultimately help you drive more efficiently.
On the user side, the changes will enhance transparency and accessibility. Users will be able to view community admins and members of private communities through Entra ID, which fosters a more collaborative environment. This shift not only promotes inclusivity but also ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to community engagement. Think of it as throwing open the curtains to let in the light—everyone can now see who’s who in the community!
Overall, while the retirement of private content mode may pose some initial challenges, the long-term benefits of improved collaboration and streamlined administration are likely to outweigh these concerns. It’s a change that encourages adaptation and growth, which is always a good thing in the fast-paced world of technology.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this update! How do you think these changes will affect your experience with Microsoft Viva Engage? Share your insights and let’s start a conversation! For more insights and updates, feel free to check out other posts on https://mwpro.co.uk.