The SPFBL DNSBL is a Brazilian-based blacklist that operates by collecting reputation data and spam complaints from its users to create a real-time blocklist of IPs sending spam.
The SPFBL DNSBL is an IP-based blocklist (or blacklist) from Brazil. Its primary goal is to identify and block IPs that are considered unsuitable for sending email, with a strong focus on reducing spam originating from or targeting Brazilian recipients. It operates as a Real-time Blackhole List (RBL), using the zone dnsbl.spfbl.net.
The blacklist builds its reputation database from data provided by its customers and a network of contributors. When recipients file a complaint about an email, the system processes it. If the sending IP address is found to have a poor reputation, it gets added to the DNSBL. Mail Transfer Agents (MTAs) can then query this DNSBL to reject connections from listed IPs, preventing spam from reaching the inbox.
SPFBL DNSBL is operated by the Brazilian organization SPFBL. It was created in late 2015 to combat the high volume of local spam. Since its creation, it has been made publicly available for any mail server administrator to use as a tool to filter out spam sources and protect their infrastructure.
SPFBL provides a self-service removal process on their website. Before you request delisting, you must ensure you have resolved the underlying issue that caused the listing. It is also important that your IP address has an active email server running, as they will not process delisting requests for IPs without one. SPFBL offers both a free and a paid delisting path, each with specific requirements.
Free delisting requirements
Paid delisting requirements
Paid delisting is an option for those who cannot meet the strict free delisting criteria. The payment registers your PayPal email as the responsible party for any abuse from the IP. This allows for repeated delistings of the same IP without new payments, provided you address all future abuse reports sent to that email.
You can start the removal process at the SPFBL delisting page.
The impact of being on the SPFBL DNSBL blacklist is generally considered low for senders who do not have a significant audience in Brazil. The blocklist is primarily used by Brazilian mail servers and companies. However, if your business communicates with customers in Brazil, being listed can have a major impact on your email deliverability to that region.
Even with a low global impact, any blocklist or blacklist inclusion is a sign of a potential problem with your email program. It could indicate a compromised system, misconfigured authentication, or poor sending practices. Addressing the listing is recommended to maintain a healthy sender reputation.
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