<p>A communication system (1, 2, 5) is provided in which users associate handling data (18) identifying how messages are to be processed with contact data (20). Handling data (18) for the identified contacts in the contact data (20) then dispatched to those contacts. Subsequently when messages are dispatched from the locations identified by the contact data (20) a sender of a message selects handling data (18) to be associated with a message being dispatched. Upon receipt of a message associated with handling data (18) the message is then processed in the manner identified by the handling data (18).</p>