Sender Policy Framework

Do I HAVE to use SPF?

SPF is a tool for the domain owner. If you are not the domain owner and the domain in your e-mail address has an SPF record, then yes. SPF is not something you can avoid.

If you are the domain owner and you administer your own domain(s) you have the option to implement SPF or not. If you do not, your domain will be vulnerable to hackers or spammers who wish to use your domain as a "cover" for their possibly illicit activities. If you do not directly administer your domain(s) the choice of whether or not to implement SPF may be limited by your domain's administrator, however, you may, still participate in this decision by having your administrator modify or delete your SPF record or switching to an administrator that will. Deleting your SPF record, however, will leave your domain more vulnerable to abuse.