When an electronic message is transmitted to another recipient, the sender’s initial address is typically included in the header information. This information remains intact when the message is passed along to additional individuals. Therefore, while the newly added recipient sees who initiated the communication, they also have access to the identities of previous recipients included in the chain.
Understanding the visibility of information within message transmissions is crucial for maintaining privacy and managing expectations. This knowledge enables individuals to make informed decisions about the content they share and the potential audience it may reach. Historically, the transparency of message headers has been a standard feature of electronic communication systems, intended to provide context and traceability.