Question E1A08:
[97.219] If a station in a message forwarding system inadvertently forwards a message that is in violation of FCC rules, who is primarily accountable for the rules violation?  

Choices:  
A: The control operator of the packet bulletin board station  
B: The control operator of the originating station  
C: The control operators of all the stations in the system  
D: The control operators of all the stations in the system not authenticating the source from which they accept communications    

Correct Answer is  B: The control operator of the originating station  

To calculate accountability in message forwarding:

Why the correct answer (B) is correct
- Under 47 CFR §97.219(b), in a message forwarding system, the control operator of the station that originated the message is primarily responsible for the content. If a prohibited message is forwarded inadvertently, accountability for the violation rests with the originating station’s control operator.

Why the other choices are incorrect
- A: The control operator of the packet BBS is not primarily accountable for the content if it was merely forwarding as part of a message forwarding system and did not originate the message.
- C: Accountability is not shared by all stations in the system; the rules specify primary responsibility lies with the originator.
- D: There is no rule that makes all non-authenticating forwarders primarily accountable. While stations should exercise reasonable care, primary responsibility remains with the originator in this inadvertent-forwarding scenario.

Useful rules of thumb
- In message forwarding systems: primary content responsibility → originator’s control operator.
- Forwarding stations remain responsible for their own operating compliance (ID, frequency/band privileges, power, control), but not primarily for the content they inadvertently relay.
- If a station knowingly forwards illegal content or modifies/creates the content, it can assume responsibility as an originator.