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How do mailbox provider updates cause false alarms?

Provider changes causing apparent problems:

Algorithm updates: Gmail and Microsoft regularly update filtering. Can affect open rate measurements and placement.

Privacy feature changes: Apple MPP, image blocking changes affect metric accuracy.

Interface changes: Postmaster tool display changes may look like reputation changes.

Infrastructure issues: Provider's own problems can cause temporary delivery issues.

How to identify:

Check industry forums and communities (are others affected?)

Check provider status pages

Wait 24-48 hours before major action

Compare to historical patterns

Do not overreact to provider-side changes that will normalize.

Sometimes the harbor changes its procedures. Wait to see if it affects everyone before blaming your ship.