Techniques for managing instant message (IM) communications are provided. In various embodiments, IM communications in a plurality of network implementations are managed using one or more policies. A policy in the one or more policies includes an action applicable for an IM communication. Once an IM communications is received from an IM client, a policy that is applicable for that IM communication is determined. After determining an applicable policy, an action associated with the policy for the instant message communication is performed. Examples of actions that may be taken include recording the IM communication, modifying the IM communication, blocking the IM communication, forwarding the IM communication, and the like.