The URIBL Grey Domain Name Blacklist is a domain-based blocklist that lists domains found in unsolicited bulk or commercial email (UBE/UCE). According to URIBL's policy, this particular blacklist may also include domains that honour opt-out requests, such as certain Email Service Providers (ESPs) who might have limited control over their customers' list subscription methods. It is important to note that this list can and probably will cause false positives, depending on the user's specific definition of spam. The zone is dynamic and rebuilds multiple times a day as necessary. This blacklist (or blocklist) is used by popular anti-spam software, including SpamAssassin, to help filter incoming mail.
The URIBL Grey Domain Name Blacklist is operated by URIBL.COM. URIBL is a service focused on distributing data about domain names associated with unsolicited email. They provide this information through various methods, including Public DNS, RSS Feeds, and local Data Feeds via rsync. Their data is designed to complement existing anti-spam solutions and is a default component in widely-used software.
To request removal from this blocklist, you must use the official lookup form on the URIBL website. If your domain is listed, you will need to register for an account to submit a delisting request through that same form. Before requesting removal, there are several key points to consider:
The impact of being listed on the URIBL Grey Domain Name Blacklist is generally considered medium. While less severe than their 'black' list, a listing on this blocklist can still negatively affect your email deliverability. Because this blacklist is used by major spam filters, emails sent from a listed domain are more likely to be flagged and delivered to the spam folder or, in some configurations, blocked completely. The 'grey' designation implies that the listed domains may have some policy issues, such as those related to customer list acquisition methods, which can lead to filtering by receiving mail servers.