serviceNow

[satishdbira]

 Difference Between ServiceNow Data policy and UI policy

[Ankith Sharma]

Hi @satishdbira  

To Understand the difference - UI Policy controls how fields behave on a form for end users. It runs on the client side and can make fields mandatory, read-only, or visible/hidden based on conditions.

A Data Policy enforces data validation at the platform level. It runs on the server side and helps maintain data integrity regardless of how the record is created or updated

Example: If an Incident is moved to Closed:

• A UI Policy can make Close Notes mandatory on the form.

• A Data Policy ensures Close Notes is required even when the record is updated through an import or integration.

In short:
UI Policy = Form behavior
Data Policy = Data validation and integrity across all data sources.

If you found this useful, feel free to mark it as Accept as Solution and Helpful. It makes my day (and helps others too 😉).

Regards,
- Ankit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmaankith/

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @satishdbira 

Feature	UI Policy	Data Policy
Execution Layer	Client-side (runs in the user's browser)	Server-side (runs at the database level)
Primary Purpose	Improve user experience by dynamically showing/hiding or enabling/disabling fields.	Ensure data consistency , data integrity across all entry points and mandate fields across the entire platform.
Applicability	Only works when users interact with the platform through the standard Form UI.	Works for all data sources: Forms, Web Services (APIs), Import Sets, and Background Scripts.
Field Visibility	Can show or hide fields on a form.	Cannot hide or show fields; can only make them mandatory or read-only.
Bypassable	Yes. Since it's client-side, users can sometimes bypass it using scripts, imports, or API integrations.	No. Data entering the database must adhere to the policy, making it highly secure and reliable.

Refer: Difference between Data policy and UI policy

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/ui-policy-vs-data-policy/td-p/3453864

https://www.servicenow.com/community/itsm-forum/ui-policy-vs-data-policy-understanding-the-differenc...

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/ui-policy-vs-data-policy/m-p/2948423