A Information to Google and Yahoo Authentication Modifications in 2024

As we approach 2024, significant changes are on the horizon for email communication. Google and Yahoo, are implementing authentication requirements and spam prevention changes, set to take effect in February 2024. However, you don’t have to wait until 2024 to ensure you meet these impending requirements. Take the reins of your email deliverability by setting up DKIM and DMARC authentication* now. This proactive step ensures you stay ahead of the evolving landscape of email communication. Read on to learn more about these changes. 

*Note: These changes do not impact customers who already have DKIM and DMARC set up. 

Understanding the shift: Google’s requirements

Specifically, these changes will impact senders with daily email volumes exceeding 5,000 to Gmail accounts. This shift impacts all email providers and is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance email security and combat spam, with a reported 15 billion unwanted emails blocked daily.

Simultaneously, Yahoo is introducing a parallel set of requirements. This joint effort from major players in the industry reflects a collective commitment to making email communication more secure, user-friendly, and spam-free.

What you need to know: Gmail’s Authentication Mandate

1. Enable email authentication: One key aspect of Google’s requirements is the necessity for senders to set up DKIM email authentication. In addition to DKIM, a basic DMARC record will now also be required. Note, these changes do not impact customers who already have DKIM and DMARC set up. 
2. Transition from @gmail to your own domain: To align with upcoming email authentication and spam prevention changes, it’s vital to discontinue the use of @gmail.com addresses in the sender’s email. Transitioning to a domain you own is strongly advised for seamlessly setting up authentication and complying with evolving standards. For customers without a current domain, acquiring one promptly is recommended. Detailed guidelines for customers without a domain will be provided in the coming weeks/months to ensure a smooth transition and compliance.
3. Keep spam complaints lower than 0.1%: To prevent recipients from being spammed with unwanted or irrelevant messages, Google is enforcing a spam rate threshold requirement. Starting in February, keeping spam complaints below 0.1% will be a mandatory requirement for senders. For more information on monitoring spam complaints with Gmail see here.

Check out this helpful guide to setting up both DKIM and DMARC. 

The ActiveCampaign approach: What this change means for you

At ActiveCampaign, we’ve long been at the forefront of guiding our customers to adopt best practices for a secure sending domain. Our tools have facilitated this process, advocating the publication of DKIM and DMARC records, fortifying the integrity of your email communication.

These changes are designed to enhance deliverability, build trust and credibility, avoid spam filters, optimize sender reputation, and ensure uninterrupted communication. 

At this time, we encourage all our customers to set up DKIM and add a basic DMARC record for all email domains to get ahead of these upcoming requirements. As a consequence, if you don’t already own an email domain, you will need to purchase one to ensure a smooth set up and compliance with these new standards.

In the coming months, you can anticipate further email communications and detailed resources addressing all of these changes. We recognize this process can be particularly intricate for small and medium-sized businesses, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

*Note: These changes do not impact customers who already have DKIM and DMARC set up.