Basic definition

(1)

For the purposes of this Act, an electronic message is a message sent:

(a) using:
(i) an Internet carriage service; or
(ii) any other listed carriage service; and
(b) to an electronic address in connection with:
(i) an e-mail account; or
(ii) an instant messaging account; or
(iii) a telephone account; or
(iv) a similar account.

Note: E-mail addresses and telephone numbers are examples of electronic addresses.

(2)

For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the electronic address exists.

(3)

For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial whether the message reaches its intended destination.

(4)

Subsection (1) has effect subject to subsection (5).

Excluded messages—voice calls

(5)

If a message is sent by way of a voice call made using a standard telephone service, the message is not an electronic message for the purposes of this Act.