A method and system for electronic communication risk management through implementation of rule sets that impose electronic communication limitation options on electronic communications that meet the criteria for inclusion in an electronic communication risk level category. One such electronic communication limitation option gives an electronic communication a temporal life span after which it is automatically deleted from memory locations in which a copy of it is electronically stored. A second limitation option precludes an intended recipient from forwarding, copying, and/or printing the received EC. A third limitation option blocks electronic communications from being sent to certain recipients until prior authorization is obtained. The invention reduces the risks associated with electronic communication proliferation and inadequately managed electronic communications.