Is the BIMI Group website and its tools still actively maintained?
Matthew Whittaker
Co-founder & CTO, Suped
Published 15 Nov 2025
Updated 15 Nov 2025
6 min read
Many in the email community have questions regarding the active maintenance of the BIMI Group website, which serves as a central hub for information on Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI). There's a noticeable concern about the currency of its resources and the functionality of its tools, such as the BIMI checker.
BIMI, often pronounced "Bih-mee," is a crucial email specification that allows organizations to display their brand's logo next to their emails in supporting inboxes, provided they have robust email authentication in place. A well-maintained and up-to-date resource is vital for guiding businesses through the implementation process and keeping them informed about the latest developments.
I’ve heard discussions suggesting that parts of the BIMI Group website may not be as actively managed as it once was, with certain tools being offline and content not reflecting recent advancements. This can pose challenges for new adopters seeking guidance and for experienced users looking for current information regarding the standard's evolution.
The BIMI Group's current status
The BIMI Group website, bimigroup.org, is intended to be a crucial resource for the email security community. However, feedback indicates that some of its key features have not been consistently available or updated. For instance, the BIMI checker, a tool designed to help validate BIMI records, has experienced periods of being offline.
Additionally, the content on the website, particularly sections like "In the News," appears to lag behind significant industry developments. Given how rapidly the email ecosystem changes, having current information is paramount. This can create a gap for those seeking timely updates on BIMI's status and broader adoption.
The community often relies on central resources for guidance. When these resources become outdated or inaccessible, it can hinder the wider adoption of BIMI. An updated site with working tools and fresh content is essential for promoting this important email authentication standard.
Despite these challenges, BIMI continues to gain traction, with an increasing number of brands implementing it to enhance their email presence. Platforms like Mailhardener and others continue to provide updates on its status, highlighting the ongoing relevance of BIMI in email deliverability and brand trust.
The evolving landscape of email authentication
BIMI is not a standalone solution, but rather an enhancement built upon strong email authentication protocols. To successfully implement BIMI, a domain must first have a DMARC policy set to enforcement (quarantine or reject) and fully align SPF and DKIM. This foundational requirement means that any discussion or guidance on BIMI should always reinforce the importance of these underlying standards.
The ecosystem of email clients supporting BIMI is constantly evolving. Early adopters included Gmail and Yahoo, but support has expanded to other major providers like Apple Mail. This dynamic environment necessitates consistent updates to ensure brands are aware of where their logos will be displayed and what specific requirements apply to each client.
Category
BIMI Group Website Status
Impact on community
BIMI checker
Periodically offline or outdated. Requires developers to update.
Hindered self-service validation and troubleshooting for brands.
News & updates
Latest content dates back to 2021, missing recent developments like Gmail CMC adoption.
Leaves brands uninformed about critical changes and advancements in BIMI.
Increases implementation errors and slows down successful BIMI deployment.
The lack of consistent updates can lead to confusion and incorrect implementations, impacting the overall value of BIMI for some organizations. It’s crucial for brands to use reliable, up-to-date resources to ensure their BIMI setup is correct and effective.
Practical considerations for BIMI implementation
Implementing BIMI involves technical nuances, from ensuring your SVG logo is properly formatted and accessible via HTTPS to obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an accredited provider. These steps require careful attention to detail, and readily available, accurate tools and documentation can significantly streamline the process.
One notable development that required updated guidance was the adoption of Gmail's support for Certificate Authority (CA) issued VMCs (CMCs). This was a significant step for BIMI adoption, as it provided stronger brand verification. Such changes underscore the need for resources that actively track and communicate these updates to the community, helping users navigate the differences between VMC and CMC.
Perceived state of BIMI resources
Offline tools: The BIMI checker is not always available or may provide outdated results.
Stale news: The "In the News" section doesn't reflect major recent updates.
Limited support: Perception of dwindling interest in the standard due to lack of resource upkeep.
Ongoing updates: Email clients like Gmail and Yahoo continue to evolve BIMI support.
Brand benefits: Still offers significant benefits for brand visibility and trust in the inbox.
This highlights a potential disconnect between the perceived activity of the central BIMI resource and the ongoing need for detailed, current guidance from brands. Finding up-to-date information is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this important email authentication standard.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always ensure your DMARC policy is at enforcement (p=quarantine or p=reject) before implementing BIMI.
Use a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an accredited CA to ensure brand logo display in all supporting clients.
Regularly validate your BIMI SVG file and DNS record for proper formatting and accessibility.
Stay informed about updates from major email providers, as BIMI support can evolve rapidly.
Common pitfalls
Failing to meet DMARC enforcement requirements, preventing BIMI logo display.
Using an improperly formatted SVG file or one that is not publicly accessible via HTTPS.
Overlooking updates from email clients, leading to unexpected BIMI display issues.
Assuming BIMI alone offers protection against brand impersonation without strong DMARC.
Expert tips
Consider using a DMARC monitoring service to track BIMI deployment and performance.
Ensure your BIMI assets are protected by a CDN and bot protection for optimal performance.
Monitor for any "Why did BIMI disappear from Gmail" issues and address them promptly.
Leverage BIMI as part of a comprehensive email security strategy to boost brand trust.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says the BIMI checker has been offline, and the website's news section feels outdated, even though interesting things happened in 2024.
2024-02-20 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks confirms the tool is being updated because it was outdated and developers are actively working on it.
2024-02-20 - Email Geeks
Leveraging DMARC for brand protection
With the evolving nature of email authentication and the dynamic support for BIMI across various clients, consistent monitoring of your email channels is essential. Relying solely on a single, potentially unmaintained resource can leave gaps in your email security and brand visibility strategy.
For robust email security, including effective BIMI deployment, it is paramount to have comprehensive DMARC monitoring. A tool that provides AI-powered recommendations, real-time alerts, and a unified platform for DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, alongside blocklist and deliverability insights, is invaluable. Such platforms can also offer essential features like SPF flattening and multi-tenancy dashboards for MSPs, making DMARC accessible and manageable for all.
Even if the BIMI Group website faces maintenance challenges, the underlying standards of BIMI remain important. Brands committed to enhancing their email presence should ensure they are using up-to-date information and robust tools for their email authentication setup. This proactive approach will help secure your domain and leverage the full potential of BIMI.
Concluding thoughts
While the BIMI Group website and its tools have experienced periods of inactivity or outdated content, it appears efforts are underway to address these issues. The core value of BIMI as a standard for brand recognition and trust in email remains strong, especially with ongoing support from major email clients.
For businesses, the key is to prioritize comprehensive email authentication, with DMARC as the cornerstone, and to stay informed through diverse and reliable sources. Tools like Suped provide continuous monitoring and actionable insights, ensuring your email security posture is always optimized, regardless of external resource fluctuations.
Investing in robust DMARC monitoring and management not only enables BIMI but also protects your domain from phishing and impersonation attacks, ultimately boosting your overall email deliverability and brand reputation.
is constantly evolving. Early adopters included Gmail and Yahoo, but support has expanded to other major providers like Apple Mail. This dynamic environment necessitates consistent updates to ensure brands are aware of where their logos will be displayed and what specific requirements apply to each client.
One notable development that required updated guidance was the adoption of Gmail's support for Certificate Authority (CA) issued VMCs (CMCs). This was a significant step for BIMI adoption, as it provided stronger brand verification. Such changes underscore the need for resources that actively track and communicate these updates to the community, helping users navigate the differences between VMC and CMC.
Email clients like Gmail and Yahoo continue to evolve BIMI support.
. A tool that provides AI-powered recommendations, real-time alerts, and a unified platform for DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, alongside blocklist and deliverability insights, is invaluable. Such platforms can also offer essential features like SPF flattening and multi-tenancy dashboards for MSPs, making DMARC accessible and manageable for all.
