Sender Policy Framework

What is SPF and why is it complicating my life?

Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is an attempt to control forged e-mail. SPF is not directly about stopping spam – junk email. It is about giving domain owners a way to say which mail sources are legitimate for their domain and which ones aren't. While not all spam is forged, virtually all forgeries are spam. SPF is not anti-spam in the same way that flour is not food: it is part of the solution.

SPF was created in 2003 to help close loopholes in email delivery systems that allow spammers to “spoof” or steal your email address to send hundreds, thousands or even millions of emails illicitly.

SPF is a protocol developed by a group of motivated volunteers, joined by a mutual desire to improve the operation of the internet. It is NOT a commercial product offered by a for-profit corporation. The SPF protocol is being adopted by a growing number of domain hosts and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and, as in any technology evolution, there will be some bumps on the road. While the people behind this website and the people who have helped develop SPF may be able to help you understand how to solve problems when they arise, they are not directly responsible for the problems you may be experiencing.

SPF today is a relatively young technology. It is not user friendly if you are not familiar with e-mail protocols. We know that and we are working on it, but in the mean time, we are here to help if you need it.