topic Re: New policy for mask column fails - Compilation error with message 'Unknown tag policy key' in Data Governance

New policy for mask column fails - Compilation error with message 'Unknown tag policy key'

SunilN — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:48:09 GMT

I have created custom tags on a column and plan to mask columns with tags via policy. I am facing 2 issues

1. Cant see the custom tag under - Mask column if it has specific tag.

2. If I type my custom tag get error when creating policy

Policy creation failed

Invalid condition in policy 'MaskEmailColumnsPolicy'. Compilation error with message 'Unknown tag policy key `data_classification`'.

Created a tag on a column

SET TAG ON COLUMN raw.abc.abac_test.cemail data_classification = 'email'

Create a new policy 'MaskEmailColumnsPolicy' where scope is all schema; applied to all users

Re: New policy for mask column fails - Compilation error with message 'Unknown tag policy key'

emma_s — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:44:57 GMT

Hi, to use a tag in a tag policy it needs to be a governed tag rather than just a general tag. IF you just create it using Set tags UC sees it as a informational tag rather than a governed tag. If you use a CREATE tag statement to create it then you'll have it as an option in your policies. Governed tags must have a tag policy which specifies the allowed list of values, this prevents users being able to put any random value against it and threfore is why it's used for ABAC. Docs on Governed tags here https://docs.databricks.com/aws/en/admin/governed-tags/

I hope this helps!