Patent ID: 8843567

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for managing electronic messages, the method comprising: processing message content of an electronic message to extract a viewing sensitivity classification for the electronic message, the viewing sensitivity classification being determined by an automated content classification module configured for a sender that created the electronic message and stored on a server associated with the sender; associating the classification with the electronic message; and applying a receiver security policy to the electronic message in dependence upon the classification, the receiver security policy being configured for a receiver of the electronic message, the server associated with the sender applying the receiver security policy to the electronic message by performing at least one of the following: modifying a content of the electronic message displayed to the receiver, modifying a transmission time of the electronic message to the receiver, and blocking at least a portion of the electronic message from being transmitted to the receiver, the classification being formulated at least in part based on one or more preferences specified by the sender, the one or more preferences comprising: a weighted indication of the importance to the sender of the confidentiality of information included in the electronic message.