Summary
Yahoo updated its FBL ARF format to provide more granular data and enhanced header information, but the changes caused initial parsing issues for ESPs. The updated format included enhanced header information, which allows ESPs to more accurately identify the source of spam complaints and improve their filtering mechanisms, and made some MTAs unable to process the reports. As ARF is a standard format, ESPs needed to adjust their systems to correctly interpret the new format to maintain accurate complaint tracking and avoid misinterpreting user feedback, but the updates would inherently affect the structure and fields within the ARF reports, leading to parsing errors for systems not updated. Smaller ESPs and independent senders struggled more than larger providers, and the situation led to confusion due to drops in reported complaints, so ESPs needed to prepare for potential rollbacks. The impact was mainly on the technical side, where parsing and interpretation of the reports needed updates, leading to short-term challenges in identifying and managing problem senders until they adapted. Eventually, Yahoo rolled back the changes, and things returned to normal.
Key findings
- Parsing Issues: Yahoo's FBL ARF update caused initial parsing issues for many ESPs.
- Adaptation Required: ESPs needed to update their systems to correctly interpret the new format.
- Spam Filtering Impact: Difficulties in parsing led to a temporary reduction in spam filtering efficiency and deliverability.
- Disproportionate Impact: Smaller ESPs struggled more than larger providers due to resource constraints.
- Reporting Inaccuracies: Parsing errors resulted in a drop in reported complaints, causing confusion and concerns about feedback loop accuracy.
- Enhanced Data: Yahoo provided more granular data and enhanced header information in FBL reports to improve spam identification.
- Rollback Event: Yahoo eventually rolled back the changes, resolving the parsing issues.
Key considerations
- System Updates: ESPs should ensure systems can quickly adapt to changes in FBL ARF formats.
- Resource Allocation: Smaller ESPs should allocate sufficient resources for timely adaptation to format changes.
- Accuracy Verification: ESPs should verify the accuracy of feedback loop reporting post-update to maintain reliable data.
- Rollback Preparedness: ESPs should prepare for potential rollbacks and ensure systems can handle them smoothly.
- Sender Management: ESPs should prioritize quick identification and management of problem senders, especially during FBL format changes.
- Enhanced Data Utilization: Utilize the more granular data and enhanced header information to improve spam source identification.
What email marketers say
13 marketer opinions
Yahoo updated its FBL ARF format, causing initial parsing issues for ESPs due to changes in the Abuse Reporting Format. This required ESPs to update their processing algorithms to correctly interpret feedback loop data, impacting spam filtering and deliverability. Smaller ESPs and independent senders faced greater challenges adapting. The situation led to confusion due to drops in reported complaints, and ESPs needed to prepare for potential rollbacks.
Key opinions
- Parsing Issues: The Yahoo FBL update initially caused parsing issues for many ESPs.
- Required Adaptation: ESPs needed to update their systems to correctly interpret the new format.
- Impact on Spam Filtering: Difficulties in parsing led to temporary reduction in spam filtering efficiency.
- Disproportionate Impact: Smaller ESPs struggled more than larger providers due to resource constraints.
- Reporting Inaccuracies: Parsing errors resulted in a drop in reported complaints, causing confusion.
Key considerations
- System Updates: Ensure systems can quickly adapt to changes in FBL ARF formats.
- Resource Allocation: Smaller ESPs need to allocate sufficient resources for timely adaptation.
- Accuracy Verification: Verify the accuracy of feedback loop reporting post-update.
- Rollback Preparedness: Prepare for potential rollbacks and ensure systems can handle them.
- MTAs Processing: Not all MTAs were able to process the reports - so ensure yours can or be prepared to find alternative ways to handle the data.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that Yahoo updated their FBL ARF format, potentially impacting ESPs and those processing complaints themselves, noting that the change may be unintentional and that original headers are stripped.
4 Feb 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailExpert mentions that some smaller ESPs and independent senders struggled more than larger providers because they lacked the resources to quickly adapt to the format changes. This created a temporary competitive disadvantage.
11 Nov 2024 - Reddit
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Yahoo's FBL ARF updates necessitated that ESPs adjust their systems for processing feedback data, mainly affecting the technical aspects of parsing and interpreting reports. Some ESPs initially faced difficulties in handling complaint data, leading to short-term challenges in identifying and managing problem senders until they adapted.
Key opinions
- ESPs Required to Adjust Systems: Yahoo's ARF changes required ESPs to adjust their systems.
- Parsing/Interpretation Impact: The technical side of parsing and interpreting reports needed updates.
- Complaint Data Issues: Some ESPs had trouble processing complaint data initially.
- Sender Management: Identifying and managing problem senders was more challenging initially.
Key considerations
- System Updates Needed: ESPs should regularly update systems for feedback data processing.
- ARF Understanding: Need for clear understanding of ARF format changes.
- Problem Sender Identification: Prioritize quick identification and management of problem senders.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Yahoo's FBL ARF changes required ESPs to make adjustments to their systems to correctly process the feedback data. The impact was mainly on the technical side, where parsing and interpretation of the reports needed updates.
8 Sep 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that due to changes that Yahoo made, some ESPs initially had trouble processing complaint data, which led to difficulties in identifying and managing problem senders. This was a short-term impact as ESPs adapted.
4 Jan 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Yahoo Mail updated its FBL reports to include more granular data and enhanced header information to help ESPs identify spam sources and improve filtering. As ARF is a standard format, these changes affected the structure and fields of ARF reports, leading to parsing errors for systems not updated. FBL programs are critical for maintaining sender reputations, and Yahoo's ARF changes directly influenced how ESPs handle abuse reports and filter spam.
Key findings
- Granular Data: Yahoo provided more granular data in its FBL reports.
- Enhanced Headers: Yahoo's updated format included enhanced header information.
- ARF Impact: Changes to ARF reports impacted systems relying on the older format.
- Sender Reputation: FBL programs and ARF format directly affect sender reputations.
- Spam Filtering: The changes influenced ESPs' ability to filter spam effectively.
Key considerations
- Update Systems: ESPs need to update systems to handle new ARF formats.
- Improve Identification: Use enhanced data for better spam source identification.
- Maintain Reputation: Ensure FBL programs adapt to keep good sender reputations.
Technical article
Documentation from Yahoo Help explains Yahoo Mail has updated its Feedback Loop (FBL) reports to provide more granular data regarding user complaints. The updated format includes enhanced header information, which allows ESPs to more accurately identify the source of spam complaints and improve their filtering mechanisms.
11 Jul 2022 - Yahoo Help
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that Feedback Loop (FBL) programs are essential for ESPs to maintain good sender reputations. Yahoo's ARF format changes directly impacted how ESPs process and respond to abuse reports, influencing their ability to filter spam effectively.
28 May 2023 - Microsoft
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