AOL is focused on providing a positive and safer user experience for our Members. AOL has partnered with Goodmail Systems to offer a new and purely optional class of email with additional features for legitimate commercial senders that will be held accountable for their sending behavior while better protecting AOL members.
- What is the CertifiedEmail Program?
The CertifiedEmail Program, delivered through participating ISPs and mailbox providers, provides a safer class of email with reliable delivery to the inbox--not a junk or bulk mail folder--and places a trust symbol in the email interface so that email users can more safely open and respond to CertifiedEmail messages.
- What are the benefits of the CertifiedEmail program to commercial senders?
Senders who become accredited to use the service can expect reliable inbox delivery and increased recipient trust.
- Reliable Inbox Delivery – CertifiedEmail messages will not be subject to AOL volume and content filters. CertifiedEmail messages will not be delivered to the spam folder (unless the AOL member has indicated that he or she does not want to receive the message).
- Full Message Functionality – AOL will allow CertifiedEmail messages to display fully functional html, images and links by default.
- CertifiedEmail Inbox Labeling – AOL will prominently display the CertifiedEmail trust symbol in the inbox and in the non-spoofable area of the message window to indicate to the AOL member that the message is from a CertifiedEmail accredited sender.
- How is eligibility determined for participation in the CertifiedEmail Program?
The CertifiedEmail program is open to qualified, accredited senders with a history of good sending behavior. These senders will be further accredited to make sure the sender’s programs conform to CertifiedEmail acceptable use policies. Senders accepted into the Certified Email Program will maintain status in the program by keeping complaint rates below threshold across recipient mailbox providers. Violation of complaint thresholds will result in the sender being placed on probation or excluded from the CertifiedEmail Program.
- How does a sender sign up for the CertifiedEmail Program?
Senders interested in beginning the qualification process for inclusion in the CertifiedEmail Program should complete the Goodmail Sender Information Form.
- What implementation is required for senders for participation in the CertifiedEmail Program?
An accredited sender can participate in the CertifiedEmail Program whether its email is sent through an in-house system or through an email service provider (ESP) or other partner. In order to get more information about deploying the CertifiedEmail service on your in-house system or for a list of approved Goodmail Systems ESP and technology partners, please complete a Goodmail Sender Information Form.
- What benefits will AOL members derive?
The CertifiedEmail program will provide AOL members with assurance that the certified message is from an accredited sender and that the email has passed authentication. These important tests provides for a safer user experience. All images will be rendered and links enabled by default to help the consumer more quickly and accurately recognize and act upon the intended content.
