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?

In automated message forwarding systems, such as packet radio bulletin boards or Winlink, messages automatically pass through multiple intermediary stations. If a message violates FCC rules (e.g., it contains prohibited commercial traffic or profanity), holding every automatic forwarding station responsible would make automated networks legally impossible to operate. Under FCC rules, the primary accountability lies with the control operator of the originating station—the person who actually created and injected the non-compliant message into the system. Intermediary operators are generally exempt from liability unless they are aware of the violation and actively continue to forward the prohibited content.