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When will Gmail update their DMARC policy to quarantine?

7 Marketer opinions5 Expert opinions3 Technical articles5 Resources

Summary

Experts and documentation suggest that while Gmail and Yahoo have implemented stricter DMARC requirements, with an initial emphasis on compliance by February 2024, the exact timeline for full quarantine enforcement remains unclear. Google is gradually enforcing DMARC, beginning with a small percentage of messages. The subdomain policy is set to quarantine. Experts suggest a broader policy update may occur sometime in 2024. Emphasis is placed on proactive measures such as DMARC adoption and strong email authentication practices. Senders must monitor ongoing deliverability and DMARC reports to maintain compliance.

Key findings

  • Unclear Timeline: The exact date for complete DMARC quarantine enforcement by Gmail is not definitively known.
  • February 2024 Deadline: February 2024 was a key deadline for complying with new email authentication requirements from Gmail and Yahoo.
  • Gradual Enforcement: Google is implementing its DMARC policy gradually, starting with a small portion of messages.
  • Proactive DMARC: Adopting DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is critical for email authentication and reputation management.
  • Subdomain Quarantine: Gmail's current DMARC record has the subdomain policy set to quarantine.

Key considerations

  • Implement DMARC: Ensure that DMARC, SPF, and DKIM are properly configured to authenticate email.
  • Monitor Deliverability: Continuously monitor email deliverability metrics and DMARC reports to identify and address issues.
  • Reputation Management: Focus on building a strong sender reputation to improve email deliverability.
  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the evolving policies and requirements of Gmail and other email providers.
  • Ongoing Compliance: Continuously monitor your email performance and DMARC reports to identify and address any potential problems.

What email marketers say
7Marketer opinions

Various email marketers and experts have discussed Gmail's DMARC policy updates, particularly regarding quarantine enforcement. While some sources suggest February 2024 was a key deadline for implementing DMARC authentication to avoid deliverability issues, there's no definitive confirmation of a hard quarantine policy taking effect immediately. Some suggest that complete quarantine may not be necessary. Ongoing monitoring and adherence to best practices are essential even after the initial compliance date.

Key opinions

  • February 2024 Deadline: February 2024 was a crucial milestone for Gmail and Yahoo's new email authentication requirements, including DMARC implementation.
  • DMARC Implementation Critical: DMARC authentication is critical, especially for senders sending more than 5,000 emails a day, to comply with Gmail's requirements and reduce spam/phishing.
  • Quarantine Enforcement: There's no guarantee of immediate or complete quarantine enforcement; the exact timeline remains somewhat unclear and is subject to ongoing adjustment by Gmail and Yahoo.
  • Subdomain DMARC: Gmail's DMARC record has subdomain policy set to quarantine.

Key considerations

  • Ongoing Compliance: Even after meeting the initial February 2024 deadline, continuous monitoring and adherence to best practices are crucial for maintaining deliverability.
  • Authentication Importance: Prioritizing email authentication through DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is vital for protecting domain reputation and ensuring email reaches the inbox.
  • Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor email deliverability metrics and DMARC reports to identify and address any potential issues proactively.
  • Policy Variation: Complete quarantine may not be necessary, so it is important to check your configurations.
Marketer view

Email marketer from ZeroBounce emphasizes that as of February 2024, Gmail requires senders to authenticate their emails using DMARC. Failing to comply may result in emails being rejected or sent to spam.

June 2023 - ZeroBounce
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares the current DMARC record for Gmail, noting the subdomain policy is set to quarantine.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog suggests that Gmail and Yahoo's new email authentication requirements are in effect and encourage all to have implemented them by February 2024 to avoid issues.

May 2023 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Validity Blog believes the timeline for Google’s DMARC enforcement to be February 2024, and emphasizes the need for senders to act to avoid deliverability issues. But also recognizes the work is not yet complete even if the guidelines have been followed.

November 2024 - Validity Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from SparkPost Blog warns senders of stricter email authentication policies by Gmail and Yahoo, but also specifies that complete quarantine may not be necessary.

March 2024 - SparkPost Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailToolTester suggests that setting up DMARC records to quarantine or reject can help protect a domain's reputation and improve email deliverability but does not specify dates.

February 2024 - EmailToolTester
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailerQ Blog, explains that Google's new requirements for bulk senders aim to reduce spam and phishing and that DMARC authentication is critical for senders sending more than 5,000 emails a day.

October 2024 - MailerQ Blog

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Experts suggest that the timeline for Gmail fully enforcing a DMARC quarantine policy remains uncertain. While initial deadlines, such as February 2024, were set for compliance with authentication requirements, a hard date for quarantine implementation is not definitively known. Google provides limited information regarding updates, making it difficult to predict the exact timing. The subdomain policy is currently set to quarantine, but broader enforcement hinges on factors like reducing ESP-sent mail using Gmail addresses. Proactive email authentication and reputation management are crucial, along with ongoing monitoring.

Key opinions

  • Unclear Timeline: The specific timeline for Gmail's full DMARC quarantine enforcement is not clearly defined.
  • Limited Information: Google is not providing early notifications or detailed information about upcoming DMARC policy changes.
  • February 2024 Deadline: February 2024 was a key compliance deadline for initial authentication requirements, though not necessarily for full quarantine enforcement.
  • Subdomain Quarantine: The Gmail DMARC record has a subdomain quarantine policy configured.

Key considerations

  • Proactive Measures: Implement strong email authentication practices (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to protect your domain and reputation.
  • Reputation Management: Focus on building and maintaining a positive sender reputation to avoid deliverability issues.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor your email performance and DMARC reports to identify and address any potential problems.
  • Future Policy: It is expected that a more broad policy will be implemented sometime in 2024.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource highlights the significance of email authentication and reputation management in light of Gmail and Yahoo's updated requirements. The article emphasizes proactive measures and ongoing monitoring but does not provide a definitive date for the implementation of a quarantine policy, other than the initial February 2024 deadline.

August 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise indicates that while Gmail and Yahoo have announced new DMARC requirements, the specific timeline for full quarantine enforcement remains somewhat unclear. The article discusses the ongoing implications but does not offer a concrete date beyond February 2024 deadlines for initial compliance.

November 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks states that there is no early notification for Google's DMARC updates and shares that Google are unlikely to provide much information about the updates.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks clarifies that `sp=` refers to subdomain policy in the context of the Gmail DMARC record.

January 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks guesses that the policy will change sometime in 2024, probably looking for milestones like reduction of ESP-sent mail using Gmail addresses.

March 2023 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Google's documentation indicates a gradual enforcement of their DMARC policy, advising senders to adopt DMARC for email protection. The RFC documentation outlines the technical specifications of DMARC and how receivers handle authentication failures. DMARC.org emphasizes the importance of DMARC adoption in general but does not specify Google's timelines.

Key findings

  • Gradual Enforcement: Google will gradually enforce its DMARC policy, starting with a small percentage of messages and increasing over time.
  • DMARC Recommendation: Google recommends that all senders adopt DMARC to protect their email.
  • DMARC Definition: RFC documentation defines DMARC and how policies determine email receiver actions for failed authentication checks.
  • DMARC Adoption: DMARC.org emphasizes the importance of DMARC adoption without specifying any Google or Gmail timelines.

Key considerations

  • Implement DMARC: Senders should implement DMARC to align with Google's gradual enforcement and protect their email.
  • Understand DMARC Policy: Understand how DMARC policies determine email receiver actions for messages failing authentication.
  • Proactive Approach: Taking a proactive approach to DMARC adoption is essential regardless of specific deadlines to enhance email security.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor DMARC reports to ensure proper email authentication and prevent unauthorized use of the domain.
Technical article

Documentation from RFC defines DMARC and how policies are determined, which specifies how email receivers should handle messages that fail authentication checks.

January 2022 - RFC
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that Google will gradually enforce their DMARC policy, starting with a small percentage of messages and increasing over time. They recommend all senders adopt DMARC to protect their email.

March 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org highlights the importance of DMARC adoption, but makes no reference to any google or gmail timelines.

December 2024 - DMARC.org

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5Resources

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