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0 pointsjjnoakes4y ago0 comments

> If you operate an open relay for email - your IP address is going to be blacklisted very quickly. Same here

This doesn't sound like an open relay (since the incoming message can't be forwarded to arbitrary destinations), this sounds like a mailing list. And if my mailing list was banned because someone else sent spam to it, I'd be upset too.

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4 comments · 1 top-level

onphonenow4y ago· 3 in thread

I'm making the point that sending messages on behalf of others DRAMATICALLY increases the risk that you will send low quality messages. Spam, phishing etc.

I'm more surprised that folks don't get that.

Twilio is clear. You are responsible for all messages you send using their platform. They are clear in their terms that this applies EVEN IF you allow others to use your service in ways that result in crap going out.

They DO NOT want spam or phishing messages going out from their numbers.

Everyone here saying this is "bad design", outrageous or whatever has not had to deal with spammers / scammers. This simple rule, you are responsible, full stop, for what you send using our API's, and if you send crap, we will suspend you - probably saves them from 90% of the abuse issues they would otherwise deal with.

Downstream, T-mobile, verizon etc - they don't care that the message was "consented" to by someones supposed "employees". When their customer reports spam coming from one of these numbers and if that number is verified -> game over for twilio

jjnoakesOP4y ago

I get that just fine. I just disagree with it, and I disagree with the analogy to an open mail relay.

zaroth4y ago

It’s definitely not analogous to an open mail relay in the slightest.

The whole point of an open mail relay is the 3rd party can send their crap through your servers to anyone they want to target. This scenario gives the spammer no control over who gets the message.

Twilio is being used as a message bus, and OP is simply trying to save the work of writing an app or a new UI on the employee’s phone to read a list of messages. It’s a pretty common use case.

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onphonenow4y ago

That's fine. Twilio is not targeting your use case then.

A lot of HN has turned into - X company MUST build me Y feature so I can do Z. Actually, if you read the docs, they provide clear guidance not to do Z (for whatever their reasons are). They have the same issues with reputation that someone running a mail server sending mail to users across multiple networks and third party email systems might have.

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