Summary
UCEProtect is a controversial blacklist that lists IPs, IP ranges, and ASNs based on detected spam activity. It operates on three levels: Level 1 lists individual IPs, Level 2 lists entire IP ranges, and Level 3 lists entire ASNs. It's often deemed aggressive due to its broad listing practices, potentially resulting in false positives and deliverability problems. Although UCEProtect claims to target repeat offenders to reduce spam, it's not widely used by large email providers. Its legitimacy is disputed, with some considering it a 'blackmail' list. While a few entities, such as the Munich Municipality, might use it, many advise against it due to high error rates, lack of contact transparency, and delisting fees.
Key findings
- Listing Levels Defined: UCEProtect utilizes three listing levels: Level 1 (single IPs), Level 2 (IP ranges), and Level 3 (ASNs), based on spam activity.
- Aggressive Nature: UCEProtect is known for its aggressive listing practices, potentially leading to false positives due to the broad scope.
- Limited Adoption: Major email providers generally do not widely use UCEProtect.
- Contested Legitimacy: The legitimacy of UCEProtect is debated, with some alleging it's a 'blackmail' list.
- Impact on Deliverability: Being listed on UCEProtect, especially at Level 3, can significantly hinder email deliverability.
Key considerations
- Assess Listing Level: If listed, determine the specific level (1, 2, or 3) to understand the extent of the impact.
- Monitor Reputation: Regularly monitor your IP and ASN reputation to proactively address any UCEProtect listings.
- Weigh False Positives: Recognize the possibility of false positives and verify listings impacting your email infrastructure.
- Understand Remediation: Familiarize yourself with the processes for rectifying listings and adhering to compliance standards.
- Consider Alternatives: Explore and use reputable blacklist alternatives with lower rates of false positives.
What email marketers say
12 marketer opinions
UCEProtect is a controversial blacklist that lists IPs, IP ranges, and ASNs based on observed spam activity. It operates on three levels, targeting single IPs, entire IP ranges, and Autonomous System Numbers, respectively. While UCEProtect aims to reduce spam, it's often considered aggressive due to its practice of listing large IP ranges and ASNs, potentially leading to false positives and deliverability issues. Some German providers and the Munich Municipality are noted as users, although its use by larger providers is debated. The legitimacy of UCEProtect is questioned, with some characterizing it as a 'blackmail' list, and many recommend against its use due to its high error rates, lack of transparent contact information, and costs associated with delisting.
Key opinions
- Listing Levels: UCEProtect operates on three levels: Level 1 lists single IPs, Level 2 lists entire IP ranges, and Level 3 lists entire ASNs.
- Aggressive Listing: UCEProtect is considered aggressive due to listing large IP ranges and ASNs, increasing the risk of false positives.
- Controversial Legitimacy: UCEProtect's legitimacy is questioned, with some considering it a 'blackmail' list due to its practices.
- Limited Usage: While some entities like the Munich Municipality might use UCEProtect, it's not widely adopted by larger providers.
- Deliverability Impact: Being listed on UCEProtect can negatively impact email deliverability, particularly if sharing a subnet with spammers.
Key considerations
- False Positives: Due to aggressive listing practices, consider the potential for false positives when relying on UCEProtect.
- Impact on Deliverability: Assess the potential impact on email deliverability if your IP or ASN is listed on UCEProtect.
- Alternatives: Explore alternative, more reputable blacklists with lower false positive rates.
- Delisting Costs: Be aware of the potential costs and difficulty associated with delisting from UCEProtect.
- Monitoring: Monitor your IP and ASN reputation to proactively address potential UCEProtect listings.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailDodo states that UCEPROTECT is a blocklist that contains IP addresses which were sending spam, and that there are three levels.
29 Jul 2023 - EmailDodo
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that Level 1 of UCEProtect is IP only, and Level 3 is the whole ASN.
5 May 2023 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
UCEProtect is a blacklist that lists IPs, IP ranges, and ASNs based on spam activity, potentially impacting email deliverability, especially at Level 3. While some German providers and Munich use it, its usage isn't widespread among larger entities. The listing process depends on observed spam activity and impacts single IPs (Level 1), IP ranges (Level 2), and entire ASNs (Level 3).
Key opinions
- Listing Levels: UCEProtect categorizes listings into three levels: Level 1 (single IPs), Level 2 (IP ranges), and Level 3 (ASNs).
- Limited Usage: UCEProtect's usage is not widespread among major email providers.
- Deliverability Impact: Being listed on UCEProtect, particularly at Level 3, can negatively affect email deliverability.
- Spam-Based Listing: UCEProtect listings are based on observed spam activity from IPs, IP ranges, or ASNs.
- German/Munich Usage: Some German providers and the city of Munich are known, though not prominent, users of the blacklist.
Key considerations
- Level of Listing: Understand the implications of being listed at different levels (1, 2, or 3) on UCEProtect.
- Deliverability Monitoring: Monitor your IP and ASN reputation to promptly address potential UCEProtect listings and their impact on deliverability.
- False Positives: Consider the potential for false positives due to UCEProtect's listing practices.
- ISP Impact: Assess the potential impact if your ISP or ASN is listed, affecting your overall email deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks mentions Munich as a marginally relevant user of UCEProtect for blocking, with others being much lower in significance.
3 Dec 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that being listed on UCEProtect, especially Level 3, can negatively impact deliverability and that some providers may block mail from listed IPs/ASNs.
19 Feb 2025 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
UCEProtect is a blacklist that operates on three levels, each targeting different entities based on spam activity: Level 1 lists individual IP addresses, Level 2 lists entire network ranges (netranges), and Level 3 lists Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). The goal, according to UCEProtect, is to reduce spam by identifying and listing repeat offenders. The listing is based on the observation of spam activity by UCEProtect's spamtraps.
Key findings
- Listing Structure: UCEProtect employs a three-tiered listing structure: Level 1 for individual IPs, Level 2 for netranges, and Level 3 for ASNs.
- Spam Activity Basis: Listings are determined by spam activity detected by UCEProtect's spamtraps.
- Targeting Repeat Offenders: UCEProtect claims to focus on reducing spam by targeting repeat offenders.
Key considerations
- Impact on Deliverability: Listings, especially at Level 2 and 3, may significantly impact email deliverability.
- Listing Accuracy: Assess the potential for false positives and the need to verify listings affecting your email infrastructure.
- Remediation: Understand the procedures for addressing listings and ensuring compliance to avoid future issues.
Technical article
Documentation from Hetrixtools explains UCEPROTECT-Level1 lists single IPs, Level2 lists netranges and Level3 lists ASNs which have a history of sending spam.
20 May 2024 - Hetrixtools
Technical article
Documentation from MultiRBL defines UCEPROTECT Level 1 as listing single IPs, Level 2 as listing entire IP ranges, and Level 3 as listing entire ASNs.
20 Jan 2024 - MultiRBL
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