Can you forward a privileged and confidential email?
Asked by: Dr. D'angelo Little V | Last update: January 23, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)
Beware of forwarding email strings and sharing
Is it illegal to forward a confidential email?
Furthermore, forwarding emails without permission may also violate professional codes of conduct or organizational policies. Many workplaces have policies regarding handling confidential information and email communications, and violations may result in disciplinary action or legal consequences.
Can you share a confidential email?
Under English law a recipient of a communication is obliged not to disclose its content or use it for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was communicated, if (but only if) the communication was expressly or implicitly confidential.
How to send privileged and confidential email in Outlook?
Click File > Options > Mail. Under Send messages, select Normal, Personal, Private, or Confidential in the Default Sensitivity level list.
Can you forward a confidential email in Outlook?
However, the Sensitivity level doesn't stop recipients from taking any actions on a message. People who receive your email can take any action on the message that they want to, such as forwarding a confidential message to another person.
Attorney Client Privilege & Lawyer Confidentiality EXPLAINED
Can you forward an encrypted email to another email?
Do Not Forward: Your message stays encrypted within Microsoft 365 and can't be copied or forwarded. Microsoft Office attachments such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint files remain encrypted even after they're downloaded. Other attachments, such as PDF files or image files can be downloaded without encryption.
How do I send an email that is confidential?
On your computer, go to Gmail. Click Compose. In the bottom right of the window, click Toggle confidential mode . If you've already turned on confidential mode, go to the bottom of the email, then click Edit.
Can I forward a privileged email?
Beware of forwarding email strings and sharing attorney-client privileged communications. As the client, you hold the privilege, but if you voluntarily disclose our communications (e.g., “Our General Counsel told us…”), the privilege is waived.
How to put a highly confidential email in Outlook?
- In "New Email".
- Click on "Message", "Sensitivity" and then "Show Bar".
- Five Sensitivity Labels are shown.
- Choose Confidential, Restricted, Highly Confidential, CityU Only and Staff Only label to apply to your email.
When to use privileged and confidential email?
Mark the email as 'privileged' – and add whether you are emailing either: (i) to seek legal advice (e.g. add 'Privileged and confidential for the purpose of seeking legal advice'); or (ii) because litigation is in reasonable prospect (e.g. add 'Privileged and confidential for the purpose of litigation').
What is the best way to send confidential documents via email?
- Send a Password-Protected PDF.
- Require a Signature Upon Receipt.
- Send an Encrypted Email.
- Encrypt Your Email Attachment.
- Control Access to Your PDF.
Can I share a private and confidential letter?
We therefore request that you do not make the letter, the fact of the letter or its contents public.” Slapping “confidential” on a letter doesn't stop the recipient publishing it. You need two things: contents that are actually confidential, and then a duty of confidence must be agreed or implied.
How should confidential emails be handled?
- Use email encryption. ...
- Double-check recipient information. ...
- Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. ...
- Secure email attachments. ...
- Regularly update your email client and operating system.
What emails should you not forward?
Only forward to those who need to know.
Do not forward an email unless you have a solid reason why the person you are forwarding it to needs to receive it.
Is forwarding an email a breach of privacy?
If you aren't careful, you could wind up in legal trouble for sharing something you shouldn't. If you forward a message that contains personal information such as an individual's login credentials, financial data, health information, account numbers, or similar secure details, this can be considered a privacy breach.
What is confidentiality in email etiquette?
Confidentiality disclaimers are statements that appear at the end of email messages to warn recipients that the content is private, privileged, or protected by law. They are often used by professionals, organizations, or individuals who deal with sensitive or confidential information.
How do I title a confidential email?
- #1. Confidential memo: urgent action needed 🚨 ...
- #2. Urgent - Review confidential material now! ...
- #3. URGENT: Confidential Review Required by [date] ...
- #4. REMINDER: Confidential Review Deadline Approaching. ...
- #5. Eyes only! ...
- #6. 🔒 Shhh... ...
- URGENT: Action by [specified date] - Confidential. ...
- URGENT: Confirm availability for review?
How do I encrypt confidential emails in Outlook?
In an email message, choose Options, and then select Encrypt. Pick the encryption that has the restrictions you want to enforce, such as Encrypt-Only or Do Not Forward. Finish composing your email and then choose Send.
How do I add a confidentiality notice to Outlook email?
- Open a new e-mail.
- Click on Signature from drop down arrow.
- Click on Signatures to bring up your default signature.
- Copy and paste the Recommended Confidentiality Statement text above after you have entered your contact information.
- Save.
Can you forward a private and confidential email?
Yes, if you're acting in a personal capacity. The Privacy Act doesn't prevent you from on-sharing an email containing someone's personal information, except where it would be regarded as highly offensive to do so.
What is the difference between confidentiality and privilege?
Confidentiality is a responsibility to protect someone else's choices about disclosure, and. Privilege is a legal rule prohibiting the disclosure of private information against someone's will.
Can you sue someone for forwarding an email?
Potential Grounds for Lawsuits
Breach of Confidentiality: Sharing confidential information via email without proper authorization can lead to lawsuits. Always double-check before forwarding sensitive data. Harassment or Threats: Emails containing threatening or harassing content can result in legal consequences.
How do I send a privileged and confidential email?
If an email actually is privileged, then putting "Privileged and Confidential" in the email subject line and/or at the top of the email body is the best way to signal that you believe it is covered by privilege.
In what format should confidential emails be sent?
Information can be sent as a password-protected file and attached to a standard email instead of in an encrypted email. Passwords may be placed on the most widely used file formats, including PDFs and Microsoft Office documents. Ensure you reveal your password over a secure communication platform.
How do you put confidentiality notice in an email?
The content of this email is intended for the person or entity to which it is addressed only. This email may contain confidential information. If you are not the person to whom this message is addressed, be aware that any use, reproduction, or distribution of this message is strictly prohibited.