Never forget that the list-serving and news-distributing software were
first designed to be broadcast media.  Now attempts are being made to
"secure" or retrofit these channels for privacy and confidentiality.
 
As a possible analogue, though I'm sure it's not a good one, think of
cellular conversation and the attempts that are being made to make it
"private".
 
Policies and laws will differ across institutions, states, and countries.
Your milage (kilometerage?) will vary.
 
/Pete