Google’s making big changes to prevent Gmail spam

Technology
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 4:18 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Google is implementing measures to make it harder for spammers to send messages to Gmail users. These measures include requiring email senders who send more than 5,000 messages per day to Gmail users to include a one-click unsubscribe button in their messages and to authenticate their email address to prevent IP address spoofing.
  • Google’s actions highlight the ongoing battle between major tech companies and spammers who use email to send fraudulent messages. These changes are aimed at improving email security and reducing spam, but they may also impact legitimate marketers who use email aggressively for customer communication. Approximately half of all emails sent in 2022 were estimated to be spam, emphasizing the need to address this issue.

Google is taking steps to combat spam and enhance email security for Gmail users. The company announced that it will impose stricter requirements on senders who send over 5,000 messages per day to Gmail users. These senders will be required to include a one-click unsubscribe button in their messages and authenticate their email address to prove ownership of their domain name and prevent IP address spoofing.

Additionally, Google may choose not to deliver messages from senders whose emails consistently receive a high spam rating, falling below a “clear spam rate threshold” of 0.3% of messages sent, as measured by Google’s Postmaster Tools. These measures are aimed at reducing spam and enhancing the email experience for Gmail users.

Google has also enlisted Yahoo to implement similar changes, with these new requirements set to take effect in February 2024. The move reflects the ongoing battle between major tech companies and spammers who exploit open systems like email to send fraudulent messages.

While these changes are designed to improve email security and reduce spam, they may also impact legitimate marketers who rely on email for customer communication. The requirement for a one-click unsubscribe option could affect their email marketing strategies. In 2022, approximately half of all emails sent were estimated to be spam, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue. Google emphasized that ongoing collaboration and vigilance within the email community are essential to maintaining email security and reducing spam.

For full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/03/googles-making-big-changes-to-prevent-gmail-spam.html