Winlink SPAM Control Updated 4/19/2024 Quick Look: -- mail from all internet addresses is blocked by default -- mail from amateur radio accounts (callsign accounts) is allowed by default -- to receive mail from an internet address that address MUST be allowed by your acceptlist OR the subject of the message must start with '//WL2K' -- sending a message to an internet address adds it to your acceptlist automatially The Winlink acceptlist mail filter is an account feature in all accounts. It is a mechanism for the positive control of spam from internet accounts that send mail to users of the Winlink system. Winlink user to Winlink user mail is not subject to its action. Here is how it works: To be delivered to a Winlink user, ANY MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNET must have a sender's 'from' address or domain name listed in the recipient's acceptlist, OR, the sender must include the character sequence "//WL2K" at the start of the subject line of the message. If the "//WL2K" character string is found, the message will bypass filtering and be forwarded to all of the Winlink addresses in the message 'to' and 'cc' lines. Messages inbound from the internet which do not pass these rules are not delivered and are bounced back to the sender with a service message that includes a link to a web page with an explanation and instructions how to send a message and allow it to pass. Example: Subject://WL2K (then any other normal subject content to follow). There are certain exceptions: Messages from the saildocs.com, sailmail.com, and certain other domains will be accepted unconditionally except where a recipient specifically blocks that address or domain name in their acceptlist. How does an address get added to my acceptlist? 1. Each message you send from your Winlink account to a recipient at an Internet E-mail address will be automatically recorded in your acceptlist. 2. You may send a special message to the SYSTEM, giving it instructions for changes to your acceptlist. (See below). 3. You may manipulate your individual acceptlist via your account at the winlink website. How to manage your acceptlist via mail messages: Changes are made by sending special messages containing instructions to the system, outlined below, one line per individual instruction: From your @Winlink account, send a message as follows: To: SYSTEM Subject: ACCEPTLIST [In the message body, the following commands are available.] LIST: [will return a list of all acceptlist entries] ACCEPT: name@somewhere.com [will allow messages from name@somewhere.com to be accepted and delivered to you. You may send multiple lines with any command, each containing one e-mail address. REJECT: name@somewhere.com [will reject any messages from name@somewhere.com. You may send multiple lines, each containing one e-mail address. DELETE: name@somewhere.com [will remove name@somewhere.com from your Acceptlist. You may send multiple lines, each containing one e-mail address per line. Addresses without an "@" will be treated as "domain names". For example, if "ACCEPT: yoda.org" were entered, then any message bearing any address using that domain (yoda.org) will be accepted. Examples TO: SYSTEM Subject: ACCEPTLIST ------------------- List: [Suggestion. Send this first, and retrieve the reply containing your list as the system currently has it. Use it as a reference to modify your list with further system messages.] TO: SYSTEM Subject: ACCEPTLIST ------------------- Accept: Joe@somewhere.com TO: SYSTEM Subject: ACCEPTLIST ------------------- Accept: Joe@somewhere.com Accept: Bill@someplace.net Accept: Judy@noplace.org Delete: joan@overthere.com Delete: steve@someplace.net Reject: ed@thatplace.net Reject: nogood.com Accept: yadda.com Accept: yoda.org Accept: yoda.net Old versions of Airmail have an OFF and ON option for the ACCEPTLIST and the ACCEPTLIST NOTICE in "Options Messages". These are no longer meaningful or functional since the Acceptlist option is no longer optional. Please, always use current software!