No more spam: Google says enough about mass emails

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The fact is that Gmail users receive just as much spam as any other server. But within seven days, a large number of suspicious messages will be blocked before they reach your inbox.

Starting April 1, Google will reject emails from senders en masse unless they meet new authentication requirements. This strict rule aims to reduce the amount of spam arriving in Gmail inboxes and improve user security.

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Definition of bulk sender

Google defines a mass sender as someone who sends “roughly 5,000 or more messages to personal Gmail accounts within a 24-hour period.” It should be noted that this includes all emails sent from the same main domain, regardless of the number of subdomains that may be used. There is no end date for the rating. As mentioned before, the guidelines only apply to emails sent to personal Gmail accounts. However, all senders must comply with the new regulations, and this includes those using Google Workspace accounts.

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Strict domain authentication rules effective April 1st

In a Gmail update notice published in October 2023, platform product manager Neil Kumaran explained that “many bulk senders do not properly secure and configure their systems, allowing attackers to easily hide in their midst.”

So, starting April 1, all senders of bulk messages will be required to authenticate their emails using “established best practices.” Among the recommended changes are: domain-based message authentication; Reporting and compliance; Email identified by domain keys; and the sender policy framework.

“Ultimately, this will close the loopholes exploited by cybercriminals who threaten everyone who uses email,” Kumaran says.

The “Click to unsubscribe” button will become mandatory on June 1

Starting June 1, all bulk senders will have to include a one-click unsubscribe option. The June 1 changes will also require bulk senders to process opt-out requests within 48 hours.