Overview
abuse.ch PBL (Policy Block List) was a policy-based IP blocklist from the abuse.ch project. Unlike detection-based lists that require observed abuse, a policy block list categorizes IPs based on their allocation and expected use β for example, flagging IP ranges that should not be sending direct-to-MX email based on their designation as consumer broadband or hosting blocks.
The list has been discontinued as abuse.ch refocused its resources on structured threat intelligence products rather than maintaining DNS-based policy lists.
How It Works
abuse.ch PBL used IP allocation data and network policies to categorize address ranges. Ranges designated for dynamic consumer use, mobile networks, or other non-server allocations were listed based on policy rather than observed spam behavior. Mail servers querying the list could use it to reject connections from unexpected IP categories.
How to Get Delisted
The abuse.ch PBL is no longer active, so no removal process is available or necessary. For policy-based IP blocking with active maintenance, consider using the Spamhaus PBL, which covers similar use cases and remains widely adopted.