Email disclaimers are statements appended to electronic messages, often found at the end of the email body. Their purpose is to limit liability, protect confidentiality, and provide legal notices to recipients. A typical example might assert that the contents of the email are confidential and intended only for the named recipient, or that the sender is not liable for any errors or omissions in the message.
The inclusion of these statements stems from a desire to mitigate legal risks associated with electronic communication. Their use has increased over time, driven by growing awareness of data privacy regulations, security breaches, and potential misuse of information transmitted via email. Organizations adopt them to safeguard sensitive data, manage expectations regarding the email’s content, and potentially limit their exposure to legal action.