Why is GPT domain reputation data missing since January 14th?

Summary

The absence of GPT domain reputation data since January 14th is a complex issue with several contributing factors. Data discrepancies are noted, with some sources indicating that the issue is specific to Domain/IP Reputation Data in V1, while V2 data remains updated. Underlying causes include data delays due to Google Postmaster Tools updates, system updates or processing loads, changes in email sending practices, spikes in spam complaints, alterations in mailbox provider algorithms, and data provider outages or maintenance. Technical issues such as DNS propagation problems and SmartScreen filter updates also contribute. Implementation and configuration issues with authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as well as blocklisting, shared IP reputation impacts, and failure to properly warm up a new domain can further exacerbate the problem. Different data collection methodologies and processing timelines, variations in data quality, Google algorithm changes, data processing errors, or even issues with the data feed itself all contribute. Cross-verification of data sources is advised. Consistent monitoring of email metrics and adherence to email best practices are necessary.

Key findings

  • Version-Specific Data Gap: The absence of data primarily concerns the Domain/IP Reputation Data within V1 of certain reporting tools, while other data elements remain active.
  • Multiple Contributing Factors: A multitude of factors can lead to this data issue, encompassing algorithmic shifts, technical infrastructure problems, data collection discrepancies, and email sending practice vulnerabilities.
  • Importance of Email Practices: Significant changes or issues within email sending practices, like authentication problems or spikes in spam complaints, can also interrupt the flow of GPT reputation data.
  • External Technical Disruptions: Issues relating to DNS propagation, server outages, and data feed disruptions can indirectly affect access to reliable GPT reputation data.
  • Reputation Vendor Issues: Vendor related issues such as system downtime, system maintenance, and disparities in vendor data collection methodologies can lead to data unavailability.

Key considerations

  • Monitor Email Health Signals: Closely monitor email marketing metrics for any red flags, and to rapidly address deliverability concerns should they surface.
  • Investigate Sending Practices: Thoroughly examine and adjust email marketing practices to minimize spam flags and maintain compliance with email best practices.
  • Check for Technical Problems: Monitor DNS infrastructure and authentication measures. Stay informed regarding potential technical interruptions that can lead to disruption within data access.
  • Implement Strong Authentication: Implement robust authentication practices (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) as key measure to establish legitimacy within the eyes of spam filters.
  • Data Source Triangulation: Verify the reliability of data by analyzing metrics obtained across many sources to ensure precision and dependability of your results.
  • Ensure Domain Warmup: Properly warm up new domains to mitigate the chances of your emails getting flagged as spam, and to promote a good reputation

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

GPT domain reputation data missing since January 14th may stem from various causes. Some sources indicate the issue is specific to Domain/IP Reputation Data in V1, while other V1 data and V2 data remain updated. Potential factors contributing to this data gap include: data delays in Google Postmaster Tools due to system updates, changes in email sending practices, increases in spam complaints, alterations in mailbox provider algorithms, provider outages, slow data propagation, blocklisting, system updates from ESPs, shared IP address impacts, and failing to warm up a new domain. Continuous monitoring of email marketing metrics is crucial.

Key opinions

  • V1 Specific Issue: The issue seems isolated to Domain/IP Reputation Data within V1 of certain reporting tools.
  • Google Postmaster Tools Delays: Data delays in Google Postmaster Tools can affect reputation data visibility, particularly after system updates.
  • Algorithm Changes: Changes in mailbox provider algorithms for calculating reputation might cause sudden drops.
  • Data Propagation Delays: New domain reputation data might take time to propagate across all systems after significant changes.
  • Shared IP Risks: On shared IPs, the activities of other users can impact overall domain reputation.

Key considerations

  • Sending Practice Review: Review email sending practices for any recent changes that might have triggered the issue.
  • Spam Complaint Monitoring: Monitor spam complaints to identify any spikes that could negatively affect reputation.
  • Blocklist Check: Verify whether the domain has been added to any blocklists.
  • ESP Announcements: Check ESP announcements for updates or changes to data processing procedures.
  • Warmup Protocol: Ensure a proper domain warmup procedure is in place, especially for new domains.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor email marketing metrics to identify and address deliverability issues promptly.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Google Support Forum responds that data delays in Google Postmaster Tools are possible and can affect reputation data visibility, especially around specific dates due to system updates or processing loads.

September 2024 - Google Support Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp.com advises users to check for announcements regarding system updates or changes to data processing procedures which may affect data availability.

September 2024 - Mailchimp.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks confirms no IP or Domain rep since Jan. 14 and that is only in V1.

April 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests that a sudden drop in domain reputation data could be due to a change in email sending practices, a spike in spam complaints, or a change in the algorithms used by mailbox providers to calculate reputation. It advises checking for any unusual activity during the period in question.

October 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares they only have IP data on the 21st since the 14th.

July 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains this is only about Domain/IP Reputation Data and all other elements in V1 have data (FBL, Authentication, etc...). Also that all data points in V2 are up to date, while V2 has no reputation data at this time.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailVendorGuide.com explains that reputation data providers sometimes experience outages or maintenance periods that can result in temporary unavailability of domain reputation data.

April 2022 - EmailVendorGuide.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Twilio SendGrid says that failing to properly warm up a new domain can negatively impact reputation data and visibility. Proper warmup procedures need to be carefully followed to prevent such issues.

October 2024 - Twilio SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange explains that new domain reputation data takes time to propagate across all systems, especially after significant changes in sending behavior. The delay could be due to the time it takes for systems to update.

December 2021 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus.com shares that being added to a blocklist can have a significant impact on domain reputation and that data about the blocklist status may not be immediately reflected in all reporting systems.

March 2022 - Litmus.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps.com says that it is crucial to monitor email marketing metrics continuously. Interruption in data may be due to problems with your ESP/deliverability or changes by the email provider.

August 2022 - GlockApps.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass.co shares if on a shared IP the activities of other users can impact overall domain reputation and the subsequent data reported. They advise monitoring IP health closely during potential issues.

October 2021 - Gmass.co

What the experts say
3Expert opinions

The absence of GPT domain reputation data since January 14th appears to be multi-faceted. One expert notes differing update timelines between data versions (v1 updated through the 14th, v2 through the 18th). Other explanations include inherent discrepancies in data collection and processing methodologies used by different reputation systems, as well as potential changes in Google's algorithms, data processing errors, or data feed issues. Cross-verification of data from multiple sources is recommended to validate findings.

Key opinions

  • Version Skew: Different versions of data feeds may have different update timelines (e.g., v1 vs. v2).
  • Methodology Differences: Variations in data collection and processing methodologies across reputation systems contribute to data discrepancies.
  • Algorithm Changes: Changes to Google's algorithms, data processing errors, or data feed issues can impact GPT data.

Key considerations

  • Version Awareness: Be aware of the version of the data feed you are using and its corresponding update timeline.
  • Cross-Verification: Verify data from multiple sources to validate findings and identify potential discrepancies.
  • Algorithm Volatility: Account for potential changes and volatility in the algorithms used to calculate reputation scores.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that data discrepancies in reputation systems can arise from differences in data collection methodologies and processing timelines across various providers. The observed gap could reflect variations in how different systems update their information.

July 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares that v1 is updated through the 14th and v2 through the 18th.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource shares that inconsistencies in GPT data, including missing reputation data, can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in Google's algorithms, data processing errors, or potential issues with the data feed itself. It recommends verifying the data with multiple sources to validate the findings.

June 2023 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Missing GPT domain reputation data since January 14th can be attributed to several technical factors. Domain reputation is sensitive to spam complaints, email volume fluctuations, authentication issues (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and inconsistent sending patterns. DNS propagation problems and server outages can disrupt accurate reputation assessment. Algorithms and data pipelines like Microsoft's SmartScreen filter might undergo maintenance causing delays. Sender Score calculations rely on rolling averages, making them susceptible to temporary data unavailability. DMARC implementation flaws can also hinder accurate reputation reporting.

Key findings

  • Reputation Factors: Domain reputation hinges on factors like spam complaints, email volume, authentication, and consistent sending.
  • DNS Issues: DNS problems and server outages can impede reputation systems' ability to assess domains accurately.
  • Algorithm Updates: SmartScreen filter algorithms and data pipelines undergoing maintenance can cause temporary data delays.
  • Rolling Average Impact: Sender Score's reliance on rolling averages means data can be unavailable due to fluctuations or processing issues.
  • DMARC Misconfigurations: Faulty DMARC implementation negatively affects reputation reporting.

Key considerations

  • Authentication Review: Thoroughly examine SPF, DKIM, and DMARC settings for correct configuration.
  • Sending Pattern Analysis: Analyze sending patterns for consistency to avoid flagging reputation systems.
  • DNS Stability: Ensure reliable DNS infrastructure to prevent propagation problems and outages.
  • Algorithm Awareness: Be aware of potential algorithm updates and maintenance that may cause data inconsistencies.
  • DMARC Validation: Regularly validate DMARC reports and adjust configurations as necessary.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft.com shares that the SmartScreen filter's algorithms and data processing pipelines might undergo updates or maintenance, leading to temporary delays or inconsistencies in the reported reputation data.

September 2023 - Microsoft.com
Technical article

Documentation from Validity.com explains that their Sender Score calculation is based on a rolling average of various metrics, and temporary fluctuations or data processing issues might cause the score (and related data) to be temporarily unavailable or delayed.

April 2022 - Validity.com
Technical article

Documentation from RFC-Editor.org states that DNS propagation issues or DNS server outages can temporarily prevent reputation systems from accurately assessing domain reputation, leading to missing or delayed data.

March 2023 - RFC-Editor.org
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that issues or misconfigurations in DMARC implementation can impact how email receivers assess domain reputation, leading to potential data delays or inaccuracies.

July 2024 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that domain reputation is influenced by factors like spam complaints, email volume, authentication practices (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and consistency in sending patterns. Any significant change in these factors can temporarily impact reputation scores.

October 2024 - Spamhaus.org