Why is a Google IP address blocklisted by Spamhaus?
Summary
What email marketers say7Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit shares that a common reason for an IP being blocklisted is if a server is compromised and used to send spam without the owner's knowledge. Google's vast infrastructure could make it a target.
Email marketer from StackOverflow responds that Google uses shared IP addresses, meaning that if one user on a shared IP engages in spamming activity, the entire IP range can be blocklisted, affecting all users on those IPs.
Email marketer from Email Deliverability Blog responds that Spamhaus is known for quickly listing IPs that are identified as sources of spam. If Google's systems detect and allow spam to be sent even briefly, it could result in a listing.
Marketer from Email Geeks initially says the IP address isn't currently listed, but then after looking it up again, confirms that it is indeed listed.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares that if a Google account is compromised, it can be used to send spam, leading to the associated IP address being blocklisted. The scale of Google makes this a more probable event.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Tips explains that Email deliverability is complicated and every company will experience issues from time to time and it's not always immediately clear why.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that Spamhaus constantly scans IPs and networks for spam activity. Even a short burst of spam from a Google IP can lead to it being listed.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that Blocklists are used to filter spam and unwanted messages based on IP addresses or domains that have exhibited spam-like behavior. Google IPs, like any other IP address, can be added to a blocklist if the sending behavior violates the listing policies of that blocklist.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the URL provided by Mike Auldredge has an error and shares the correct URL. Al Iverson confirms the IP address is indeed listed on Spamhaus.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Spamhaus lists IP addresses based on factual data and observable behavior. This includes direct spamming, botnet activity, or hosting infrastructure used by spammers. Google IPs, while generally reputable, could be listed if they are found to be associated with such activities, even if unintentionally or due to compromised accounts.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Barracuda explains that common causes include spam complaints, sending to spam traps, poor list hygiene, and compromised accounts. Google IPs may be susceptible to these issues due to their scale.
Documentation from DigitalOcean responds that If you send unwanted email, your mail may be refused by mail servers. These refusals can result in temporary or permanent listing on blocklists. Sending email from a new server without proper DNS records can also cause issues.
Documentation from Microsoft explains If you are the admin of a sending IP address, you can use the Sender Reputation Data program to help Microsoft better understand your mailing practices. They also go on to explain the main reasons they block emails. Spamhaus data can cause blocks.
Documentation from Google Cloud explains that they have measures in place to prevent abuse, but sometimes IPs can still be used for malicious activity. If this is detected they will take action which may include blocklisting.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that IPs are blocklisted when they are found to be involved in sending spam or supporting spamming activities. This can include hosting spam websites, being compromised and used to send spam, or failing to prevent spam from being sent from their network.