Carbon copying (cc) functionality in email allows inclusion of additional recipients on an email. However, these recipients will not automatically have visibility of prior correspondence within that email thread unless those previous emails are explicitly included in the current message. For instance, if an email chain exists between Person A and Person B, and Person C is added to the email via cc on the third email in the chain, Person C will only see the third email and subsequent replies that include them.
The selective visibility offered by carbon copying facilitates focused communication. It allows individuals to be kept informed of specific developments without being overwhelmed by the entire history of a conversation. This approach enhances efficiency by minimizing unnecessary information overload and ensuring that recipients only receive relevant content. Historically, carbon copying has served as a digital parallel to physical carbon copies used in paper-based correspondence.