Verizon persists with European email blockade

Found on The Register on Sunday, 16 January 2005
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US ISP Verizon is persisting with a controversial policy of blocking email sent from Europe. Since 22 December, mail servers at verizon.net have been configured not to accept connections from Europe by default.

Verizon is blocking ranges of IP addresses belonging to British and European ISPs (the IP space from RIPE, APNIC, and more) in a misguided attempt to reduce spam. Domains are only unblocked following complaints, with Europeans effectively treated as guilty till proven innocent.

Verizon media relations manager Ells Edwards told Wired that he didn't know when the ISP would lift its blockade. "Normally these things abate in a matter of days," Edwards said.

Verizon three million DSL customers waiting for emails from Europe were advised to use alternative forms of communication. "If it's really important you might want to make a phone call," he said.

I got an even better idea: why not block all emails, and make users request whitelisting? Honestly, this is especially funny since most of the spam comes from the US. It would be more helpful if Verizon would block outgoing mail from their servers. But then, I guess it's pointless to talk with people who tell you to call someone if it's important.