Google has announced that it will be enforcing harsher rules on bulk senders in 2024 in an effort to reduce spam in Gmail inboxes. The new rules will require bulk senders to authenticate their emails, offer an easy unsubscribe option, and maintain a low spam rate.
Bulk senders are defined as those who send more than 5,000 messages to Gmail addresses in a single day. The new rules will apply to all bulk senders, regardless of their industry or purpose.
Authentication:
Bulk senders will now be required to authenticate their emails using a method called DKIM. DKIM is a cryptographic signature that verifies the identity of the sender and helps to prevent spoofing. By requiring bulk senders to authenticate their emails, Google is making it more difficult for spammers to send fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources.
Unsubscribe:
Bulk senders will also be required to offer users a simple one-click unsubscribe option. This will make it easier for users to opt out of receiving unwanted emails. Google is also requiring bulk senders to process unsubscribe requests within two days.
Spam Rate:
Bulk senders will also be required to maintain a low spam rate. Google has not yet specified what the spam rate threshold will be, but it is likely to be set at a level that is significantly lower than the current threshold. By requiring bulk senders to maintain a low spam rate, Google is hoping to reduce the amount of spam that reaches Gmail users' inboxes.
Impact on Businesses:
The new rules will have a significant impact on businesses that send bulk emails, such as retailers, marketing agencies, and email newsletters. Businesses will need to make sure that they are compliant with the new rules in order to avoid having their emails sent to Gmail's spam folder.
However, the new rules are also likely to benefit businesses in the long run. By reducing the amount of spam in Gmail inboxes, Google is making it easier for users to find and engage with legitimate emails. This could lead to increased open rates and click-through rates for businesses that send bulk emails.
Overall, the new rules from Google are a positive step for users and businesses alike. By reducing the amount of spam in Gmail inboxes, Google is making it a more pleasant and productive experience for users. Businesses will also benefit from the new rules by seeing increased engagement with their emails.